Onyinyechi Mark Sets World Record as Nigeria Dominates African Open
Nigeria's para-powerlifting team delivered an impressive performance at the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championships held in Oran, finishing second overall with a remarkable total of 49 medals. Onyinyechi Mark emerged as the standout athlete, smashing both the world and African records in the women's 67kg category on the final day of competition, further solidifying Nigeria's reputation as a dominant force in this sport.
The four-day championships concluded with Nigeria amassing 32 gold, 12 silver, and 5 bronze medals, placing them behind Egypt, which topped the medal table with a total of 84 medals, including 47 golds. Mark's extraordinary achievement not only brought glory to her country but also marked a significant milestone in her career as she set a new world record.
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Another highlight of the competition was Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who clinched gold in the women's +86kg category, continuing her successful streak on the continental stage. In a closely contested event in the women's 50kg category, Anigbogu Chikordi Esther secured silver with a lift of 114kg, just behind her compatriot Ajiboye Rukayat, who won gold with a lift of 115kg.
Importance of Championship for Future Competitions
This championship served as a vital qualification event for the upcoming World Championships scheduled for December in Bahrain. Athletes also earned crucial ranking points that will contribute to their qualification for the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles.
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Organized by World Para Powerlifting in collaboration with the Algerian Handisport Federation and under the supervision of Algeria's Ministry of Sports, the event featured 151 athletes from 15 African nations, alongside participants from Asian countries such as Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, and Bahrain, as well as Greece from Europe. This diverse representation underscores the growing global interest in para-powerlifting and the importance of such competitions in promoting the sport.
As Nigeria continues to excel in para-powerlifting, the achievements at the African Open reflect not only the athletes' dedication and hard work but also the support from their coaches and the broader sports community. The future looks bright for these athletes as they prepare for international competitions and aim to further elevate Nigeria's status in the world of powerlifting.
