Nigerian lifters shape up for South Africa tourney

01.05.2008

Secretary of the Nigeria Weight-lifting Federation (NWF), Steve Olarinoye has assured that the nation's contingent to the African Weightlifting Championship (AWC) scheduled for Strand, South Africa, is battle ready to prove its mettle in the tourney.

The championship which holds from May 12 to 16 will serve as qualifiers for the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games sche-duled for August.

Olarinoye said in a chat with Tribunesports that all was well in the camp as lifters were in high spirits ahead of the championship.

He stated that the performance of the lifters at the just concluded trials held at the Abuja National Stadium was impressive adding that, the lifters will excel in South Africa.

"I am impressed with our level of preparedness and there is hope that our lifters will live up to expectations in South Africa. Everybody knows what it is at stake and we are going there to pick as many slots as possible for the Olympics."

He also expressed satisfaction with the level of support received from National Sports Commission (NSC) in their quest to participate in the championship, adding that the contingent would leave for South Africa next week for acclimatization that would enhance the team's performance in the tourney.