Nigeria, May 19 -- In a thrilling start to the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, two teenagers from the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) contingent stole the spotlight in the women's 45kg weightlifting event, defeating elite competitors to clinch two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze on Sunday.

The feat, achieved by Amarachi Chijioke and Scholastical Tekumbur, sent an early shockwave through the competition and spotlighted the bold promise of Nigeria's next generation of champions.

Held at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu, the weightlifting event launched competitive action at the festival alongside kung fu, deaf badminton, and badminton, taking place in Ikenne and Abeokuta respectively.

Amarachi Chijioke emerged as th...