Globally sought-after weightlifting coach, Maged Salama has disclosed that Nigeria has the potential to challenge China in weightlifting.
Mr Salama who stated this in Abuja on Monday while addressing Nigeria weightlifting athletes and coaches, noted that the quality of athletes available in the sport in Nigeria is good enough to make the country a dominant nation in weightlifting the world over.
The former Olympics gold medalist encouraged the athletes and officials to make the best use of the opportunities created by the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) to maximize their potential and enhance their careers.
“From the list I have here and the records therein, Nigeria has the potential to challenge China in weightlifting. The talents are there and if well harnessed, you can dominate the world.
“Nigeria has a great history in weightlifting and I believe there are just a few missing links to be knotted to achieve greater history in the future.
“With dominant ages between 15 and 23 years, the prospect for Nigeria in weightlifting is very high” he said.
The Austrian who arrived Nigeria on Friday for the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation Athletes and Coaches one-week training, advised that achieving greatness in weightlifting requires absolute self-discipline, consistent training and effective nutrition.
“To achieve stardom, you need to discipline yourself, be consistent in training and maintain effective nutrition. You have to obey your coaches and stick to training schedules.
“Be cautious of the food and supplement you take. But the key factor in achieving what you desire is discipline. My coming to Nigeria is to help make you better but alot is expected of you. I have produced world champions in Egypt, Sweden and Australia and I believe that after this training, Nigeria will continue to have improved performances in the world,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the President, Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF, Dr Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, told the athletes and coaches to see the training as a great opportunity to improve themselves adding that the Federation would continue to prioritize athletes’ and officials’ welfare and training.
A total of 22 athletes and 8 coaches are participating in the one-week training programme which will end on Sunday.