Ferdinand made a remarkable breakthrough at the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt, where she won the gold medal in the women's 79 kg event. In an outstanding performance, she lifted 153 kg, setting a new African record and defeating reigning Paralympic champion Han Miaoyu of China.

And at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow the Nigerian continued to smash records when she powered to a massive 158kg lift, scoring 128.2 points to set a new world record. 

Unlike at the Paralympic Games, the Commonwealth Games heavyweight category for athletes over 61kg uses a coefficient formula to score lifts against the athletes' individual body weights.

The previous world record holder of the women's 79kg event was Han Miaoyu's gold medal lift of 154kg on September 7 2024 at the Olympic Games in Paris. 

"I feel very awesome, my happiness knows no bounds," Ferdinand said. "Folashade is like an idol to me. I look up to her and I wanted to be a world-record holder like she is."

Veteran lifter Folashade Oluwafemiayo defended her Women's Heavyweight title during the night of Para Powerlifting world records. The two-time Paralympic champion justified her top billing by setting a world best mark for lifters 86kg and over before bettering even that with her final attempt of the competition.

Ferdinand is one of the athletes who took part in the Commonwealth Sport's GAPS programme, a development and peace programme that supports the development of inclusive sport pathways throughout the Commonwealth.

Along with teammates Oyema and Nworgu the Nigerian trio all attended GAPS camps, with Ferdinand and Nworgu taking part in the pre-Games camp in Ayr. Her accomplishments have inspired many young athletes, particularly people living with disabilities, proving that perseverance and hard work can overcome barriers. 

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