Nigeria’s para powerlifting icon Folashade Oluwafemiayo has reaffirmed her dominance on the global stage after breaking her own world record to win double gold at the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
Competing in the women’s over 86kg category, the 40-year-old lifted 168kg, surpassing her previous record of 167kg set at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Her performance earned her gold medals in both the best lift and total lift events.
China’s Wenjun finished second with a lift of 157kg, while Nikoo Rozbahani of Iran settled for bronze after lifting 152kg.
Speaking in an interview shared by the National Sports Commission, Oluwafemiayo expressed gratitude for the support she received from Nigerians and the government.
“I broke the world record and made Nigeria proud. I thank the sports commission for their support, and I thank Mr. President, His Excellency — God will continue to bless you,” she said.
“We are promising to bring the cup back to Aso Rock, and I have faith that as a father, you will receive and celebrate us.”
The victory marks Oluwafemiayo’s fourth world title, adding to her previous triumphs in Mexico City 2017, Nur-Sultan 2019, and Tbilisi 2021.
A two-time Paralympic champion, she continues to solidify her status as one of Nigeria’s greatest athletes, with her latest Paralympic gold coming from Paris 2024.
