Paris 2024 Olympics: Abdul demands Nigerian weightlifters to ‘compete firmly and fairly’

Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) President Ibrahim Abdul has called on weightlifters competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics to demonstrate strict and honest conduct.

Team Nigeria will be represented in Paris by two female weightlifters.

Rafiatu Folashade Lawal will compete in the 59kg class while Joy Ọgbonne Eze will fight for honours in the 71kg category.

Lawal and Eze want to improve Nigeria’s weightlifting performance at the Olympic Games (two medals: a silver and a bronze at the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games).

“We are happy with what we have done so far in terms of these Olympic Games. We have two athletes representing us, all women. They have endured the rigour and pressure in the qualifying series to reach their first Olympic Games,” Abdul said at a news conference in Abuja.

“They have come a long way, because now they are competing with the best in the world. I told them on the phone a few days ago that they do not have to fear an enemy.

“Everyone can be beaten. Today I reaffirm that statement and call on them to fight hard and fair. We have done everything we can to give them the necessary support, including regular doping tests during their camping holidays,” he said.

The weightlifting event at the 2024 Olympic Games begins on Tuesday (today).