National Head Coach of the Nigeria Powerlifting Association, Lucky Jolly Iduseri, has credited discipline, thorough preparation, and strong administrative support for Team Nigeria’s impressive performance at the inaugural Central African Zone Powerlifting Championship in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

In an exclusive interview with Sports247, Iduseri reflected on the team’s successful campaign, revealing that the athletes arrived in Cameroon several days before the start of the three-day competition to acclimatise and finalise their preparations.

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According to the coach, Nigeria’s achievements were the result of months of structured planning rather than last-minute adjustments.

“The key factors behind our success were discipline, clearly defined roles, and the unwavering support of the President of the Nigeria Powerlifting Association,” Iduseri said. “We prepared our athletes to handle unexpected situations before leaving Nigeria, so when logistical issues arose in Cameroon, they remained focused on their performances.”

Iduseri explained that the coaching staff placed equal emphasis on physical readiness and mental resilience. Training sessions were designed to simulate pressure-filled situations, while athletes were encouraged to remain composed regardless of changing circumstances.

One of the tournament’s standout moments, according to the coach, was the silver-medal performance of debutant Odok Answer. Seeing a first-time competitor reach the podium was a source of immense pride and highlighted the depth of talent within the Nigerian team.

The coach also acknowledged the challenges encountered during the competition, including travel delays and schedule adjustments. However, he noted that prior planning and collective discipline enabled the squad to adapt quickly without allowing distractions to affect their performances.

Looking ahead, Iduseri said the Nigeria Powerlifting Association intends to build on the success in Cameroon by raising performance standards through additional training camps, enhanced discipline, and greater support for athletes.

He also delivered a message to aspiring powerlifters across the country, encouraging them to remain committed to the process and trust in consistent hard work.

“Stay disciplined and trust the process,” he said. “This championship has shown that when Nigerian athletes receive the right preparation and support, they are capable of competing successfully and winning medals on the international stage.”

With momentum from their achievements in Cameroon, Team Nigeria will now look to carry that confidence into future continental and global competitions as the sport continues to grow in prominence across the country.

Rights activist and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Aisha Yesufu, on Saturday accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of being blinded to vote-buying and electoral malpractices during elections.

Reacting to alleged vote-buying in Ekiti State, Yesufu said it should be decriminalised in Nigeria.

Posting on X, the activist noted that law-abiding Nigerians are at the receiving end of vote-buying in Nigeria.

He wrote: “At this rate, vote buying should be decriminalized in Nigeria. It does not make sense since it is those who are law abiding that gets punished for it!

“They do not do the vote buying and they are schemed out while others buy votes and waltz their way into office. @officialEFCC ‘s eagle is blindfolded during election.

“Instead of candidates wasting money on campaigns, let everyone wait for Election Day and bargain.

“The highest bidder wins and you save your money. This nonsense needs to stop.”

Meanwhile, there have been allegations of electoral malpractice in the ongoing gubernatorial election in the state.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dare Bejide, alleged vote-buying and money sharing in his polling unit, while the police and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, refused to respond.