Nigerian athletes competing at the 2025 Africa Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius have received a significant financial boost, thanks to a personal donation from the director general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon Bukola Olopade. The sum of $3,800 was presented to the athletes and officials of the Nigerian team.

Currently in Moka, Mauritius, to uplift the team’s morale, Olopade made the donation during a meeting with the team and officials from the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation on Wednesday.

“I bring you greetings from the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who is regarded as the father of sports in Nigeria,” Olopade stated. “He instructed me to remind you that weightlifting is a sport in which we have a competitive edge both in Africa and globally, so it is crucial that you strive to win numerous medals here in Mauritius.”

He continued, “Therefore, my slogan for you here in Mauritius is: more gold, more money. As you win, you will receive your alerts.”

Olopade also announced that four athletes have been selected for the A Category of the Elite Programme under the Elite Athletes and Podium Board of the Commission, each set to receive $20,000 as their annual training grants.

Additionally, next week, these athletes will receive $5,000 each as part of their training grant installment.

“Your welfare is of utmost importance to us, and it is a core mandate of the Commission under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to prioritise the well-being of our elite athletes,” he added.

“This support will allow you to focus on your preparations without any distractions for the Commonwealth Games, the World Championship, and ultimately the Olympic Games,” he concluded.

Nigeria’s contingent at the 2025 Africa Weightlifting Championship consists of six athletes, four females and two males.