African Games gold medalist King Kalu of Cross River State and Esther Amarachi Chijoke of Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) dominated the opening day of the weightlifting event at the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival, securing five gold medals combined.
In the men’s 55kg category, Kalu delivered a stellar performance, claiming three gold medals with a total lift of 215kg—94kg in the snatch and 121kg in the clean and jerk. Bayelsa’s Elechi Nnadozie Elvis earned a silver in the snatch (93kg), while Ekiti’s Abayomi Adeleye took bronze (92kg).
Oyo’s Tobi Ishola secured a silver in the clean and jerk (118kg) and a bronze in the total (206kg). Bayelsa’s John Solomon added a bronze in the clean and jerk (117kg) and a silver in the total (207kg).
In the women’s 45kg category, Chijoke of IJA shone brightly, winning two gold medals in the clean and jerk (82kg) and total (146kg), alongside a silver in the snatch (64kg).
Lagos’ Ronke Olarinoye finished second overall, clinching gold in the snatch (65kg) and bronze in the total (140kg). Rivers State’s Christiana Alloma claimed a bronze in the snatch (61kg) and silvers in the clean and jerk (81kg) and total (142kg).