Nigerian Powerlifter Breaks World Record at African Games

The roar that echoed through Algeria's Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex in May wasn't just celebration. It was the sound of a world record falling and a nation's powerlifting dominance on full display.

Onyinyechi Mark, Nigeria's 24-year-old powerlifting sensation, lifted 148kg in the women's up to 67kg category at the African Open Championships in Oran. The lift broke the previous world record by one kilogram, surpassing China's Cui Jianjin's mark from October 2025.

Mark's victory followed her signature warm-up routine: a loud scream and raised arms before gripping the bar. She completed all three lifts successfully, finishing eight kilograms ahead of Egypt's silver medalist Fatma Elyan.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic champion has now set her sights even higher. "I will train harder to make sure I get my gold back again in LA," she told reporters, referring to the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

The Ripple Effect

Mark's record was just the beginning of Nigeria's dominant performance. The team captured 24 medals overall, including 15 golds, topping both the Open and African categories at the three-day competition held from May 21 to 23.

Fellow Nigerian Rita Ferdinard equaled a world record with her 154kg lift in the women's up to 79kg category. Paralympic champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo reinforced her dominance with a 160kg lift in the women's over 86kg division.

The championships drew more than 150 athletes from 20 nations competing for Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic qualification points. Egypt finished second with 14 gold medals, while Iran secured five titles and hosts Algeria celebrated one gold among their 13 total medals.

For the Nigerian team, the competition served as a mandatory step toward Paralympic qualification and a tune-up for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. At the previous Commonwealth Games, Nigeria topped the powerlifting medal table.

Mark's passion for her sport shines through every lift. "I have so much love for Para powerlifting," she said after her record-breaking performance. "When I wake up, I see myself in a team. I feel happy when I am doing it."

The championships proved that strength comes in many forms: in the athletes who pushed their limits, the nations that celebrated together, and the records that fell to the sound of cheering crowds in Algeria.