Nigeria’S Yakubu Adesokan yesterday won the first powerlifting gold medal for Nigeria and set a new world record in the 49kg class on at the ongoing 11th African Games in Brazzaville.
Adesokan lifted 182.5 kg in his third attempt to win the gold medal.
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Algeria won the silver medal in the event.
Adesokan won a silver medal at the recently concluded Open Asia Championship held in Kazhastan.
“I am excited, I can’t thank God enough for this is the result of hard work and focus.
“After the Asia championship where I won a silver medal, I gave myself a personal target of a gold medal at the All Africa Games, and with God I was able to fulfill my target,” Adesokan said.
He said his next target is to win gold in the 2016 Rio Olympic.
Adesokan, however, praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for the preparation ahead of the Games.
“I must thank my coach, Feyisetan Are, for believing in me and training me toward achieving this feat, he was like a father to all us.
“I want to call on the NSC to allow us start preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games early, because with good preparation we can be world champions,” Adenekan said.
Another Nigerian, Latifat Tijani in the 45kg lifted 98kg to also win a gold medal and set a new African record.
Ben Isini won silver 41kg 90, he lost the gold medal to the Egyptian who lifted 92kg.
Feyisetan Are, paralifting national coach said that with the result the athletes just kept to their promise to the nation of good performances in the Games.
“I am happy with their performances, we just took part in three events this morning and we won two gold and one silver; it is a sign of good things to come in the competition.
“We promised Nigeria a good outing and the athletes are living up to the promise they made to the nation.
“Our aim is to win at least 11 gold medals, two more are still coming,” Are said.
