At the ongoing World Para Powerlifting Championships holding in Egypt, Nigerian para powerlifter, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, made history once again. In front of a cheering global audience, she hoisted an astonishing 168 kilograms in the women’s +86kg category, breaking her own world record and winning gold for Nigeria. It was not just a lift; it was a moment that reaffirmed her dominance in the sport and reminded the world of Nigeria’s enduring excellence in para powerlifting.
This year’s championship, which runs from October 11 to 18, 2025, gathered the world’s strongest para athletes, but Folashade stood apart. With poise and confidence, she approached the bench, focused on the bar, and with one powerful motion, rewrote the history books. The crowd roared as the weights locked out and the referee signaled “good lift.” The new world record,
168kg, now bears her name.
For followers of Nigerian sports, this achievement did not come as a surprise. Folashade has long been a shining star on the global stage. She won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with a then-record lift of 152kg, and went on to defend her crown at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, setting another world record with 167kg. Each time she steps onto the platform, she pushes the limits of what was once thought possible. Her consistency over the years has made her one of the most respected and admired figures in world para powerlifting.
Nigeria’s journey in para powerlifting has been one of remarkable consistency and pride. Over the years, names like Lucy Ejike, a multiple Paralympic and world champion, and Latifat Tijani, who won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, have kept the country at the summit of the sport. The late Paul Kehinde also etched his name in history with world records and global titles. Together, these athletes have built a powerful legacy that continues to lift Nigeria’s flag high in international arenas. Folashade’s world record in Cairo now joins this golden list, strengthening the nation’s position as one of the strongest forces in para powerlifting worldwide.
Her victory carries a deeper meaning beyond medals and statistics. It tells the story of resilience and purpose of a woman who has faced challenges, stayed true to her dreams, and turned them into global triumphs. It is also a reflection of what is possible when talent meets opportunity. For a nation brimming with young potential, Folashade’s record-breaking performance is a call to action, a reminder that investing in sports can produce champions who make the world stand still in admiration.
The opportunities ahead are enormous. Nigeria already has the talent, the coaches, and the spirit that draw admiration from the global community. What’s needed now is greater investment in training facilities, sponsorships, and athlete welfare. The growth of para-sports can spark industries around equipment manufacturing, rehabilitation technology, media production, and sports tourism. Imagine, in a few years, Nigeria bidding to host the World Para Powerlifting Championships, welcoming athletes from every continent, and showing the world the strength, hospitality, and unity that define them. The dream is within reach, all it requires is vision and commitment.
For millions of Nigerians, Folashade’s 168kg lift in Cairo is more than a world record. It is a message of hope that strength is not only measured in kilograms but in courage, perseverance, and belief. Her triumph reminds all that Nigeria’s greatness is not limited to what has been achieved, but to possibilities yet untapped.
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