Two rising stars from the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) programme stole the highlight on the twenty second Nationwide Sports Competition in Ogun State, outperforming seasoned opponents within the girls’s 45kg weightlifting occasion.
On Sunday, Might 18, 2025, Amarachi Chijioke and Scholastical Tekumbur impressed the group on the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu, the place weightlifting kicked off alongside occasions like kung fu, deaf badminton, and badminton in Ikenne and Abeokuta.
Chijioke claimed two gold medals, dominating the clear and jerk with a powerful carry of 82kg and reaching a complete haul of 146kg. Her power and focus confirmed she’s not only a future champion — she’s already competing on the highest stage.
Tekumbur additionally made her mark, profitable bronze within the clear and jerk with a 78kg carry, narrowly behind Rivers State’s Christina Allorima, who took silver with 81kg.
Their achievements spotlight the success of the IJA initiative, which brings promising younger athletes into top-level competitors, giving them early publicity and expertise towards Nigeria’s greatest.
SportsRations’ Nsikakabasi Akpan who’s protecting the Competition has reward for the NSC. Akpan stated “The Nationwide Sports Fee deserves excessive reward for introducing the Invited Junior Athletes programme. What we witnessed from Amarachi Chijioke and Scholastical Tekumbur is a transparent signal that Nigeria’s sporting future is vivid. This initiative not solely offers younger abilities a platform but in addition ensures the continuity of excellence in Nigerian sports. If nurtured correctly, it’s going to absolutely result in a wonderful future for our nation on the worldwide stage.”