Nigeria's campaign at the fourth African Youth Games in Angola concluded on a spectacular high note, powered by the sheer strength of weightlifting prodigy Florence Oluwadamilare Olarioye. The young athlete, competing on 22 December 2025, delivered a masterclass to secure three gold medals in the women's 58kg A category, cementing her status as a rising continental star.
A Commanding Performance for Nigeria
Dubbed Nigeria's 'Golden Girl,' Olarioye displayed remarkable composure and power to dominate her division completely. She finished ahead of South Africa's Chanel Vivier and Ethiopia's Etori Bakie to emerge as the undisputed overall champion. Her triple-gold triumph on the final day of competition provided a shiny finale for Team Nigeria, highlighting not just her individual brilliance but also the nation's deepening reservoir of weightlifting talent.
National Sports Commission Hails Grassroots Success
The National Sports Commission (NSC) was quick to commend the entire Nigerian contingent for an outstanding outing and 'exemplary conduct' at the Games. The Director General of the Commission, Bukola Olopade, specifically lauded the athletes, coaches, and support staff for their dedication.
Olopade reserved special praise for the grassroots development apparatus, stating that the performance is a testament to Nigeria's amazing pool of talent. "Let me first of all thank the entire team, but especially the grassroots team. This performance is a testament to the amazing pool of talent we have in Nigeria. I do not doubt that many of the budding stars discovered from this championship will eventually become world beaters," he said.
Focus on Development and Future Promise
The Commission emphasized that the African Youth Games serve as a vital developmental platform for young athletes across the continent, not merely a pursuit of laurels. In its statement, the NSC urged all participants to be proud of their achievements while keeping the learning experience at the forefront.
"As we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Nigeria, I urge all participants to be proud of one another and of yourselves. Always remember that youth games are developmental platforms and not solely for laurels. You have all done exceedingly well," the Commission added.
The NSC also expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) for its continued guidance and support throughout the event. Olarioye's golden haul reinforces Nigeria's growing reputation as a powerhouse in African weightlifting and signals a promising future for the nation's sports on the global stage.
