Nigerian sports fans, have you ever watched a moment that gave you goosebumps, the kind that makes you leap up and shout, “Na our girl be this!”? That’s exactly the energy sweeping across Nigeria as Team Nigeria storms Riyadh for the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games—bringing the shine, the pride, and real wahala for rivals. From weightlifting platforms to the boxing ring, our athletes are showing the world that their spirit no dey carry last.
On a balmy Sunday in Saudi Arabia, history was made for Nigeria at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games. The air was thick with anticipation, as fans back home tuned into viewing centres from Lagos Mainland to Kaduna, all hoping for a reason to celebrate. Their prayers were answered when Rafiatu Lawal, a name fast becoming synonymous with excellence, delivered an explosive hat-trick of gold medals in women’s weightlifting, 58kg category. For many Nigerians, this wasn’t just about medals—it was about hope, resilience, and nationhood.
Inside Rafiatu Lawal’s Explosive Gold-Medal Triumph
Imagine the scene: the atmosphere electric, the crowd a mix of nerves and adrenaline. Rafiatu Lawal, already a fan favourite after her exploits at the 2025 IWF World Championships, steps onto the platform. Each lift was a battle, and Lawal responded like a seasoned warrior. She completely dominated, snatching 98kg with a display of raw power and then conquering the clean & jerk at 122kg. Altogether, she tallied a mind-blowing 220kg, a record that reportedly secured Nigeria’s first-ever gold medals at this edition of the Games (International Weightlifting Federation).
Can you just picture the celebrations in her hometown? Some even say you could hear shouts of “Wetin be this!” across the neighbourhood as word of her victory reached back home. For Lawal, this wasn’t her first dance with greatness. At just 28 years old, she has a trophy shelf that would make any parent beam with pride:
- Golds at the 2019 African Games in Rabat
- Victorious at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham
- More gold at the 2023 African Games in Accra
In fact, Lawal reportedly made headlines last month with a history-making triple silver at the 2025 IWF World Championships in Norway—cementing her status as the first Nigerian to achieve such a feat at the event (IWF, 2025).
The Battle in the Boxing Arena: Zainab Adeshina’s Journey to the Final
But weightlifting wasn’t the only arena where Nigeria flexed muscle. At The Promenade – Art Tower, another explosive chapter unfolded. Rising boxing star Zainab Adeshina entered her semi-final bout against Algeria’s Fatiha Mansouri facing an uphill challenge. The first round didn’t go her way—but as any Lagos street footballer knows, it’s not how you start but how you finish.
Representing the red corner, Zainab bounced back from a rocky opening, dazzling judges and spectators alike with her fast hands and slippery movement. She claimed a 4–1 victory, winning the third round convincingly. According to officials, judges from Egypt, Iraq, Slovakia, and Australia all voted in her favour, while the Puerto Rican judge backed Mansouri. Even when the pressure mounted and Mansouri attracted two warnings (and point deductions!), Adeshina remained composed. With Aussie official Dylan Perceval reportedly scoring every round 10–9 for Nigeria’s flagbearer, it was clear: there’s serious grit in this contender.
With this win, Zainab is now just one match away from gold, facing Tunisia’s Rabia Topuz in the final. For Nigerian fans, moments like these aren’t just about sports—they’re fuel for national unity and daily motivation, especially for young women who see a reflection of their own dreams in Zainab’s gloves.
Against All Odds: The Power of Nigerian Spirit
It’s easy to celebrate success when all eyes are on the gold. But behind these explosive moments are years of training at sometimes under-resourced facilities, early-morning runs before the city wakes up, and sacrifices that only the athlete and their close circle truly understand. Lawal’s fifth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, for example, is a testament to how close Nigerian athletes have come to global glory and the steady progress being made—slow and steady, like a danfo weaving through Lagos traffic.
According to sports analyst Chinedu Okeke, “Every win by Team Nigeria, especially at international events like the Islamic Solidarity Games, carries weight beyond the medal table. It challenges stereotypes, inspires upcoming athletes, and reminds everyone that talent dey ground, just support needed.”
Team Nigeria’s Ambitions in Riyadh: Going for More Glory?
With a 46-member contingent (35 athletes and 11 officials), Nigeria is chasing history in seven sports disciplines at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games:
- Athletics
- Para-athletics
- Para powerlifting
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
- Boxing
- Taekwondo
This diverse selection is not just about medals; it signals the growing inclusivity of Nigerian sports—giving para-athletes, women, and emerging talents a slot to represent the green-white-green on the world stage. Yet, while the euphoria is real, experts have also cautioned that more investment is needed if Nigeria hopes to consistently stand toe-to-toe with powerhouses like Egypt, Turkey, or Saudi Arabia.
Local sports administrator Fola Adebayo observed, “We’re writing new chapters of Nigerian sporting history here, but for this progress to be sustained, the government and private sector need to collaborate more. Facilities must improve. Scholarships, medical support, and youth academies are critical going forward.”
What’s the Wider Impact? Local and Global Relevance
For everyday Nigerians, these victories resurrect a sense of national pride, even at a time when news headlines can often be discouraging. Children see their role models on TV, parents boast in neighbourhood shops, and communities rally to celebrate one of their own. It’s not just about lifting weights or throwing punches; it’s about lifting hope, too.
Globally, Nigeria’s rise in sporting events like the Islamic Solidarity Games grabs serious attention. According to the International Olympic Committee, diverse African participation in international competitions is helping to challenge old narratives by amplifying stories of strength, resilience, and unity.
Of course, challenges remain—from infrastructure gaps to funding issues. But in moments like these, with eyes glued to the screen and hearts pounding with every lift and punch, Nigerians are reminded of something profound: we get leg, and we sabi use am well.
So, na who go stop Team Nigeria now?
What Does This Mean for Future Nigerian Sports Stars?
The explosive performances in Riyadh aren’t just medals for the trophy cabinet. They’re a signpost for young athletes reading this story in Ibadan, Port Harcourt, or Sokoto: nothing dey impossible if you work hard and dream big. As more girls lace their boots or enter gyms, inspired by Lawal and Adeshina, Nigeria’s sporting future looks brighter than a fresh naira note.
What are your thoughts on Team Nigeria’s opener at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games? Do you see our squad bringing home more gold, or do you think more groundwork is needed for future competitions? Share your unique perspective with us!
Have your own sports story or experience to tell? We’d love to hear from fellow Nigerians and sports fans across Africa!
Send your stories, tips, or opinions to story@nowahalazone.com for a chance to get featured—or discuss selling your exclusive scoop.
Follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram for the latest sizzling sports updates, Nigerian gist, and more. Don’t dull, join the conversation!
