Nigeria ended its campaign at the 2024 Paris Paralympics on a high note as Folashade Oluwafemiayo claimed gold in the +86kg Para Powerlifting division, setting a new world record with a 167kg lift.
Oluwafemiayo’s victory on Sunday marked the culmination of Nigeria’s participation in the Games. She broke her own previous world record by two kilograms, lifting 167kg to secure the gold medal.
Her dominance was evident from the start, as she lifted 157kg in her first attempt, outpacing her closest competitor, China’s Xuemi, who managed 150kg. Oluwafemiayo then matched the Paralympics record of 162kg, set by fellow Nigerian Josephine Orji, before surpassing it with a lift of 166kg. She sealed her golden performance with the record-breaking 167kg lift.
The gold medal win was a significant morale boost for Team Nigeria after Loveline Obiji was disqualified in the up to 86kg category earlier on Sunday. Oluwafemiayo’s achievement helped the nation finish on a positive note.
Nigeria’s contingent of 23 athletes concluded the Paralympics with a total of seven medals—two gold, three silver, and two bronze—following 11 days of intense competition.
