Every 23 October, football lovers across Nigeria and beyond pause to celebrate the legacy of one of Africa's greatest strikers, Rashidi Yekini.

Although the Nigerian football legend passed away in May 2012, his memory remains evergreen. His iconic celebration inside the goal net after scoring Nigeria's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria at USA '94 is still regarded as one of the most unforgettable moments in African football history.

For millions of Nigerians, Yekini symbolises hard work, humility and the belief that a young athlete from a small Nigerian town can rise to global greatness.

That town is Offa in Kwara State.

More than three decades after Yekini placed Offa on the world football map, another daughter of the ancient town is making history for Nigeria.

This time, the spotlight is not on a football pitch but on the weightlifting platform.

Born in Offa, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal has emerged as one of Nigeria's finest athletes after successfully defending her Commonwealth Games title in Glasgow, winning another gold medal and setting a new Commonwealth Games record.

Although she has represented Oyo State throughout much of her domestic sporting career, her Offa roots remain a source of immense pride for the community where she was born. Like Yekini before her, Lawal has become another international sporting ambassador with deep ties to Offa.

A Champion Who Keeps Raising the Standard

Lawal did more than retain her Commonwealth Games crown.

She dominated her event, winning gold in convincing fashion while establishing a new Commonwealth Games record, further reinforcing Nigeria's growing reputation in international weightlifting.

Her achievement was celebrated nationwide, but the excitement was particularly strong in Offa.

The Offa Descendants Union (ODU) described her victory as another proud moment for the ancient town, saying she had once again projected Offa positively on the global sporting stage.

The union praised her discipline, resilience, determination and commitment to excellence, expressing hope that her success would inspire young people to pursue their dreams while encouraging greater investment in sports development across Offa.

Years of Sacrifice Behind the Success

Speaking after her victory, Lawal described the feeling of successfully defending her title as rewarding.

"I feel good," she said.

Behind that simple response lies years of hard work and sacrifice.

According to her, preparations began long before arriving in Scotland.

"I started my training from home before moving to the National Sports Commission camp and later to the Aberdeen camp. It was tough throughout, but everything turned out well."

She admitted that the competition itself came with moments of uncertainty.

"It's a competition, so you can never predict how it will go. At first, I was a bit scared, but later I adjusted."

Her ability to remain composed under pressure proved decisive in securing another gold medal for Nigeria.

Inspired by the Crowd

Lawal also acknowledged the role played by supporters inside the arena.

She explained that the atmosphere created by spectators and teammates gave her additional motivation during the competition.

"For me, seeing a large crowd motivates me. I also appreciate my teammates because their encouragement lifted my spirit throughout the event."

A Celebration That Caught Attention

One of the memorable moments after her victory was her celebration, which many observers compared to Cristiano Ronaldo's famous trademark celebration.

Lawal laughed off the comparison.

"I was only practising it myself. I didn't know someone else was already doing it. It makes me happy that people are comparing me with someone great in another sport."

Just as Yekini's goal celebration became one of football's most enduring images, Lawal's joyful celebration could become another memorable sporting moment associated with Offa.

Olympic Dream Still Alive

Despite becoming a two-time Commonwealth champion, Lawal believes her biggest achievement still lies ahead.

Her next major target is the Olympic Games.

"Hard work pays. The more you keep pushing, the closer you get to your goals. I will continue pushing towards the Olympics."

To realise that ambition, however, she will have to compete in a different weight category, as her current class is not included in the Olympic programme.

"My category is not an Olympic event, so I have to move to another weight class. Everything is still being worked out."

Nigeria's Weightlifting Renaissance

Lawal believes Nigerian weightlifting is experiencing significant growth.

She credited the improved performances of Nigerian athletes at major international competitions to increased support from the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation.

"The encouragement from the National Sports Commission has been tremendous. Financial support and motivation have helped athletes perform better, while the federation is also doing its best."

A Legacy That Continues

Rashidi Yekini gave Nigeria unforgettable football memories that continue to inspire generations.

Today, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal is creating her own legacy on the international weightlifting stage.

From football to weightlifting, Offa continues to produce exceptional athletes whose achievements bring honour to Kwara State and Nigeria, proving once again that greatness can emerge from any community when talent meets discipline, determination and opportunity.