Team Nigeria is preparing to compete at the 2026 African Open Para Powerlifting Championships scheduled to take place in Oran, Algeria, as the country looks to strengthen its dominance in para sports across the continent.
The championship, which will run from May 18 to 25, is expected to attract some of Africa’s top para powerlifters alongside other international competitors.
Nigeria’s delegation consists of 13 athletes, including 10 female and three male para powerlifters who will represent the country in different weight categories during the competition.
The athletes selected for the tournament are Ajiboye Rukayat, Ani Chiamaka, Anigbogu Franka, Dauda Ibrahim, Ezuruike Roland, Ferdinard Rita, Ganiyu Anifat, Idris Riluwan Sabo, Mark Onyinyechi Gift, Nworgu Esther, Ogundolie Tolulope, Oluwafemiayo Folashade and Oyema Esther.
The Nigerian team is expected to depart for Algeria on Monday ahead of the start of the championship.
This year’s competition is set to feature athletes from about 23 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Angola and Nigeria, making it one of the largest para powerlifting events on the continent in 2026.
Team Nigeria enters the tournament with strong confidence following the country’s impressive achievements in para powerlifting at both continental and international competitions over the years.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, charged the athletes to compete strongly for medals while maintaining Nigeria’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading nations in para sports.
The African Open Para Powerlifting Championships will officially hold from May 21 to May 24, with competitors battling for honours across several categories in what is expected to be a highly competitive event.
