•As lifters shine in Uganda
By George Aluo
African weightlifting body, (WFA) has elevated three Nigerian refs from grade two to grade one after exams conducted in Kampala, Uganda where the African weightlifting junior and youth championships is taking place.
The Nigerian refs who are now in the elite class are the trio of Nurudeen Salihu Suleiman, Evelyn Okuofor and Bilikisu Musa.
Just like the refs, the nation’s lifters are also dazzling out there in Kampala. Nigeria after three days of action had won 13 gold, five silver and a bronze. Yusuf Islamiyat who competed in the 53 kg category won three gold medals, while Yusuf Fatima and Monica Uweh performed the same three gold medals feat in the 58 kg and 48 kg weight categories.
President of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation ( NWF) Yahaya Mohammed was full of praise last night for the Nigerian lifters and referees. In a chat with Daily Sunsports Mohammed said the performance in Kampala is a sign of what to expect from the sport under his leadership.
“As a board, we have started well. This is our first outing since after our inauguration. We are determined to change the face of weightlifting in the country,” Mohammed said.
I m happy with the performance of the teenage lifters we took to Uganda. They were selected from the recently concluded youth games in Ilorin. We are already reaping the benefit of that grassroots competition,” Mohammed said.