Folashade Oluwafemiayo arrived in Riyadh already known as a phenomenon, and she proved it again when she won Nigeria's 11th and final gold medal at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. Competing in the +86kg category
in the women’s heavyweight event, she delivered the kind of power only a few athletes on earth can match, lifting well above 150 kilograms, a zone she has dominated for years. Her performance was not only commanding, it was a reminder that Nigeria has produced one of the greatest para powerlifters of her generation.
Folashade’s career has been a cascade of extraordinary moments. From her world record and Paralympic silver in 2012, to repeated world titles, to her unforgettable 152.5kg world record lift at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (held in 2021), she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Each time she steps onto the platform she carries the quiet confidence of someone who knows her strength is not luck but legacy, a legacy she continues to build with every championship she attends.
What makes her story even more striking is how little attention she receives compared to the weight of her achievements. Nigeria is a global powerhouse in para powerlifting, and athletes like Folashade are the reason. Their results are not flukes but they are proof of raw Nigerian talent, resilience and discipline at the highest level.
Folashade embodies greatness. Her technique, focus and mental strength match her physical ability. She has overcome setbacks, rebuilt her career and returned stronger, lifting weights that place her firmly among the most dominant women in para sport worldwide. Her future remains bright because she is not slowing down, her recent form suggests she has more records to break and more international stages to conquer.
Nigeria’s para powerlifters have already proven what they can achieve over and over again. Imagine what they could become with better funding, scientific coaching and long term development. Folashade Oluwafemiayo is a symbol of that possibility, a world class champion who continues to shine.
Her gold in Riyadh is more than a medal. It is a reminder that Nigeria’s greatness often lies in places the spotlight rarely reaches, and that athletes like Folashade deserve to stand not just on the podium, but at the center of national pride and investment.
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