A’Ibom’s Ruth Asuquo, Edidiong Umoafia Lead Nigeria’s Weightlifting Charge at 2025 Commonwealth Championship in India
By Sports Recorder | August 27, 2025.
Akwa Ibom-born weightlifters, Ruth Asuquo and Edidiong Umoafia, have touched down in Ahmedabad, India, to represent Nigeria at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship, which kicked off Monday, August 25.
The championship, staged every four years, doubles as the qualification event for the Commonwealth Games. This edition will serve as the pathway to the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland.
Ruth, competing in the women’s 48kg category, is making her debut at the international championship, while Umoafia, listed in the men’s 71kg event, is returning for a second consecutive outing. He previously featured in the 2021 edition in Uzbekistan, where he qualified and went on to clinch a bronze medal for Nigeria in the men’s 67kg category at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking on their inclusion in Team Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, said their selection aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s vision to harness the potential of Akwa Ibom youths across diverse fields. He expressed optimism in their ability to secure qualification for Glasgow 2026, charging them to uphold discipline, fairness, and the ambassadorial spirit of the state throughout the competition.
Joining Ruth and Umoafia in the Nigerian weightlifting delegation are Omolola Onome (women’s 53kg), Favour Agboro (men’s 65kg), Rafiatu Lawal (women’s 58kg), Ruth Ayodele (women’s 58kg), Islamiyat Yusuf (women’s 69kg), Adeda Adelaka (men’s 79kg), Sarah Matthew (women’s 77kg), Brenda Uchenna (women’s 86kg), Mary Osijo (women’s +86kg), and Lucky Joseph (men’s +110kg).
The championship will run from August 25 to 30 in Ahmedabad, while the Commonwealth Games proper will hold in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
