Rafiatu Folashade Lawal has once again lifted the hopes of a nation—quite literally. On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Nigerian weightlifting star etched her name in the record books at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Forde, Norway. Competing in the fiercely contested women’s 58kg category, Lawal made history as the first Nigerian ever to secure three silver medals at a single World Championships. It’s a feat that’s resonating well beyond the weightlifting community, and one that’s got the entire country buzzing with pride.
Lawal’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. She opened with a snatch of 101kg, followed by a clean and jerk of 128kg. That gave her a total lift of 229kg—enough to clinch second place in the world. The gold, however, went to North Korea’s Kim Il-Gyong, who set a new world record with a combined lift of 236kg. Olympic champion Kuo Hsing-chun of Chinese Taipei rounded out the podium with a bronze, finishing at 224kg.
For Lawal, this silver-laden Saturday in Norway is just the latest chapter in a career that’s already seen her claim gold medals at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, the 2023 African Games in Accra, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. She’s no stranger to the spotlight, but this achievement has elevated her to a whole new level.
The significance of Lawal’s accomplishment wasn’t lost on Nigeria’s sporting authorities. The National Sports Commission (NSC) wasted no time in showering her with praise. NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko was effusive, describing the performance as "a proud moment for Nigeria and a shining example of what dedication, resilience, and hard work can achieve." He went on to say, "Her three silver medals on the world stage not only highlight her consistency since the 2019 African Games but also the hard work of Nigeria’s Weightlifting Federation. We won’t stop pushing and supporting our athletes and Federations, as every finish line is the beginning of a new race."
Those words echo the sentiment of a nation that’s seen Lawal rise through the ranks, overcoming challenges and setting new standards for Nigerian athletes. The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, added his own words of encouragement: "We are proud of Rafiatu and the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation for this milestone achievement. She is not only inspiring young girls but she has lifted the spirit of our nation, flying our flag high at the World Championships. We’d set our eyes on the Olympics and other international competitions; with hard work, impossible is nothing."
It’s not just the NSC that’s taking notice. The Nigerian Weightlifting Federation, too, has been singled out for its relentless efforts in nurturing and supporting athletes. The Federation’s commitment to excellence is evident in Lawal’s journey—from her early days competing for Oyo State, where she captured three gold medals at the National Sports Festival in May 2025, to her recent representation of Nigeria at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Lawal’s ascent has been anything but accidental. Her gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she competed in the women’s 59kg event, was a precursor to her current run of form. Each competition has served as a stepping stone, building both her confidence and her reputation on the international stage.
But what makes Lawal’s latest achievement so special? For one, the level of competition at the IWF World Championships is intense. The women’s 58kg category is stacked with talent, and the margin for error is razor-thin. To come out with three silver medals—snatch, clean and jerk, and total—is a testament to her technical prowess, physical strength, and mental toughness.
And let’s not forget the historical context. Before this weekend, no Nigerian had ever claimed three silver medals at a single World Championships. Lawal’s performance shattered that glass ceiling, opening the door for a new generation of weightlifters who now know that the world stage is within reach.
"Her three silver medals not only highlight her consistency since the 2019 African Games but also reflect the hard work of the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation. We will continue to support our athletes and federations, as every finish line is the beginning of a new race," Dikko reiterated, emphasizing the collective effort behind Lawal’s success.
Olopade’s optimism for the future is palpable: "She is not only inspiring young girls but also lifting the spirit of our nation, flying our flag high at the World Championships. Our eyes are set on the Olympics and other international competitions — with hard work, nothing is impossible." These aren’t just platitudes; they’re a call to action for athletes across Nigeria, a reminder that excellence is achievable with the right support and determination.
Lawal’s journey hasn’t been without its share of setbacks and challenges. Like many athletes, she’s had to navigate the pressures of international competition, the rigors of training, and the expectations of a nation hungry for sporting success. But each obstacle has only fueled her resolve. Her consistency—from the African Games to the Commonwealth Games, and now the World Championships—speaks volumes about her work ethic and her ability to deliver when it matters most.
The NSC’s recognition of the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation is also significant. Too often, the focus is solely on the athletes, but behind every champion is a team of coaches, administrators, and supporters working tirelessly to create the conditions for success. The Federation’s efforts in nurturing talent and providing the necessary resources have been instrumental in Lawal’s rise.
As the dust settles in Forde, Norway, the spotlight remains firmly on Rafiatu Folashade Lawal. Her three silver medals are more than just personal triumphs; they’re a beacon of hope for Nigerian sports, a signal that the country can compete—and excel—on the world stage. With the Olympics on the horizon and the momentum of this historic achievement behind her, Lawal’s journey is far from over.
Nigeria will no doubt be watching closely as she prepares for future competitions. For now, though, Lawal’s feat at the IWF World Championships stands as a testament to what’s possible when talent, hard work, and unwavering support come together. And who knows? With her track record, the next chapter could be even more extraordinary.
