Team Nigeria Para Powerlifters on Tuesday night arrived Mexico ahead of the World Championships holding from November 28th to December 9, 2017.
The team consists of seven female and four male lifters.
The female lifters are: Tijani Latifat 45kg, Ejike Lucy 61kg (World Record Holder), Ibrahim Olaitan 67kg, Nwosu Ndidi 73kg, Omolayo Bose 79kg, Obiji Loveline 86kg (World Record Holder) and Oluwafemiayo Folashade 86kg.
The male lifters include: Yakubu Adesokan 49kg (World Record Holder), Ezurike Roland 54kg (World Record Holder), Kehinde Paul 65kg (World Record Holder) and Nnamdi Innocent 72kg.
The officials are the Nigeria Para Powerlifting president, Sunlola Johnson and the secretary general, Abulugbe Dayo, the two coaches, Igbiti Patience (female) and Ibeh Luke (male), the two helpers, Ajala Omowumo (female) and Godwin Nwaezeam – helper/loader (male)and the team doctor, Ogunkunle Ekundayo.
Innocent Nnamdi expressed joy over the participation of Nigeria at its first international championships in 2017.
“It brings me joy that our great country’s flag will be among those to be hoisted in Mexico. All of us here are hungry not to only to win medals but shatter records again” he said.
Ejike Lucy (Captain) said the Egyptians, Mexicans and other South American countries are already intimidated by their presence. “Since other countries heard of our arrival, there has been panic in the arena. They are aware of what we can do at any given time and day.
“After missing two championships, the North Africans took advantage and are now ranked above us. That will change before the end year”, she said.
The female coach, Patience lgbiti who is optimistic of a good outing in Mexico, said though Nigeria is not going to the championship with her full team, she promised that the team will not disappoint .
She urged philanthropists, corporate organisation to come out and support them, while also calling on Nigerians to remember the team in their prayers.
