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Roland Ezuruike, the Gold medalist

Rio 2016: Roland Ezuruike wins Gold for Nigeria; Sets new world record!

Roland Ezuruike, the Gold medalist
Roland Ezuruike, the Gold medalist

Nigeria’s Roland Ezuruike, from Umuifem, Avutu Obowo in Imo State, has won the first gold medal for the country at the ongoing Rio (Brazil) 2016 Paralympic Games.
Ezuruike won the gold in the men’s -54kg to set new Games record in powerlifting.
Similarly, Latifat Tijani won silver in the 45kg event of the women’s powerlifting event.
The 34-year-old narrowly lost the gold medal to China’s Dandan Hu who set a new world record and personal record of 107kg compared to Tijani’s 106.0kg.
China is currently leading on the medals table with 24 medals comprising 9 gold, 10 silver and 5 bronze.
Great Britain is placed second with 16 medals of 6 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze, while Ukraine with 4 gold, 4 silver 9 bronze to place third.
Meanwhile, Samuel Ekeoma, Technical Director of the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation (NPPF), has commended Ezuruike Roland and Latifa Tijani for winning gold and silver medals at the ongoing Paralympics in Rio.
Ekeoma said that he was impressed with the performance of the athlete who was participating at the Games for the first time.
“I’m happy we already have a medal in powerlifting, Latifa gave a good account of herself and we are proud of her,” he said.
The official added that the country should expect more medals from the athletes, saying that they were equal to the task.
Also, Kemi Oyebola, the Head Coach of Ogun State Para-Powerlifting Association said that the feat was a remarkable one for the athlete.
“I coached her in Ogun State and was also with her at the national camp held in Abuja before team Nigeria departed for Rio.
“Roland has also done well by winning gold for the country and I know the sky is the limit for our representatives in the Powerlifting event,” she said.
23 athletes are representing the country at the Games.

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