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Weightlifting Federation President Ibrahim Abdul Reveals Five Factors Behind Nigeria’s Recent Heroics In Egypt
The president of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul has revealed five factors that helped the country’s contingent excel at the recent African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, Sports247 reports.
While reflecting on the historic outing, Abdul praised the lifters for their courage and determination, then noted the impact played by proper preparation, adequate welfare and support by all stakeholders.
Read Also: “A Good Team Doesn’t Bow to Pressure” — Coach Emmanuel Odidika Backs Super Eagles to Top AFCON Qualifiers Group
Abdul also thanked top shots of National Sports Commission (NSC) for their support and pointed out that the nation’s lifters confirmed that the country remains a strong force on the continent.
The NWF boss noted the role played by NSC’s chairman, Mallam Dikko as well as the director-general, Honourable Bukola Olopade, who visited their camp during the competition.
He also acknowledged that proper preparations and adequate motivation also helped the contingent excel at the championship, where the women’s team placed first wirh a totat of 12 gold medals.
He further described the feat as a strong indication that Nigerian sports can attain greater heights with proper preparation, unflinching support and adequate motivation of the country’s athletes.
His verdict came after Nigeria’s contingent of 10 lifters got one of the country’s most impressive outings on the continental stage, winning a total of 29 medals – 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze – during the championship.
Abdul further added that the performance was due to total commitment, discipline and fighting spirit displayed by the lifters throughout the competition.
He posited extensively, “This performance is a clear statement that Nigeria remains a major force in African weightlifting. Our athletes showed courage, determination and excellence against the best on the continent.
“The results from Egypt prove that with adequate preparations, proper welfare and continuous encouragement from stakeholders, Nigerian sports can compete favourably anywhere in the world. The future of weightlifting and indeed Nigerian sports is very bright.”
News
Portugal Can Be Next World Cup Champions, Eric Chelle Posits Ahead Of Epic Friendly With Cristiano Ronaldo’s Team
Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Sekou Chelle posited ahead of his team’s international friendly away to Portugal on Wednesday that the hosts’ squad are capable of becoming champions at this year’s FIFA World Cup, Sports247 reports.
Chelle gave the permutation in his pre-match comments 24 hours before kick-off in Leiria, Portugal, where the Franco-Malian tactician affirmed that his team will give the best they can against their star-studded hosts.
He acknowledged that Portugal have many key players to count on under all circumstances, but equally assured that the Super Eagles will give a very good account of themselves during the encounter at Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa.
The former Mali and MC Oran FC of Algeria gaffer then spoke about the significance of his side’s clash with Cristiano Ronaldo et al, noting that it is another big step forward in the rebuilding process for the Nigerian team, after missing another FIFA World Cup.
Chelle submitted, “We will play against a big team. Normally, this team can be the next world champions. There are many big players in the team. So, we are very happy to have this chance to play against them. This is a big game for them and for us.
“This is not a question about the result. We played three years ago and we lost. This is not a question about that. The most important objective is to improve at every game. We have to come with a great state of mind and our philosophy.
“We want to take some pleasure in the field. We come with ambitions, with our strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a great game for us for sure. Portugal are preparing for a great competition and they need to be focused on that too.”
Sports247 gathered that the game in the Portuguese city of Leiria will begin at 8:45pm Nigeria time and it will be the hosts’ last match before flying out to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—AIICO Insurance Plc has been named Insurance Company of the Year 2026 at the Nairametrics Capital Market Awards, a recognition that underscores the company’s strong financial performance, sustained growth, and commitment to delivering value to shareholders.
The award, presented during the second edition of the Nairametrics Capital Market Awards, honours insurance companies that have demonstrated excellence across key performance indicators, including profitability, premium growth, return on equity, claims efficiency, and market share expansion.
According to Nairametrics, the selection process was guided by a comprehensive evaluation framework designed to assess financial strength, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation. AIICO emerged as the leading performer among its peers, reflecting its ability to maintain growth momentum while navigating an increasingly competitive operating environment.
The recognition highlights AIICO’s consistent execution of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening its market position and enhancing customer value. With more than six decades of operations, the company has continued to adapt to evolving industry dynamics while maintaining a strong focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer relevance.
A significant milestone in the company’s transformation journey was the unveiling of its refreshed brand identity in December 2025. The rebranding marked a strategic move to modernise AIICO’s image and strengthen its appeal among younger consumers, while reinforcing the trust and confidence it has built with existing customers over the years.
Since the launch of the new identity, AIICO has increased its visibility across traditional and digital channels, supporting broader efforts to deepen customer engagement and reinforce its leadership position within Nigeria’s insurance sector.
The award comes at a time when the industry is facing heightened competition, evolving customer expectations, and increased regulatory scrutiny. AIICO’s strong showing across the award’s assessment criteria demonstrates its ability to balance profitability with operational efficiency while delivering sustainable value to stakeholders.
Held on June 5, 2026, at the Civic Centre in Lagos, the Nairametrics Capital Market Awards brought together regulators, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders to celebrate organisations contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.
For AIICO, the latest recognition adds to a growing list of industry accolades and reinforces its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most resilient and forward-looking insurance institutions, committed to driving innovation and creating long-term value in the financial services sector.
The post Strong Growth, Profitability Drive AIICO’s 2026 Insurance Company of the Year Victory appeared first on Business Today NG.
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