Special Eagles Para Games progress continues as Nigeria reach the final and extend dominance in Abeokuta.
Nigeria’s Special Eagles advanced to the final of the football event at the inaugural West Africa Zone A and B Para Games after earning sufficient group-stage points on Monday, as the hosts strengthened their commanding position in both competition play and the overall medal standings.
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Cameroon returned to action earlier in the day with a victory over Benin before Liberia produced one of the tournament’s most emphatic results, defeating Benin 7 to 0 in their second outing.
The final group fixture ended goalless between Nigeria and Liberia, a result that ensured both teams progressed to Wednesday’s championship match at the MKO Abiola Stadium, where the closing ceremony will also be held.
Nigeria had set the pace in the group with a 1 to 0 win against Cameroon on Sunday and an 11 to 0 triumph over Benin in their opening match.
Their disciplined defensive display against Liberia secured safe passage to the decisive contest and reinforced their status as one of the favourites for the title.
Beyond football, the host nation continued to make a remarkable impression across several events and remained top of the medal table heading into day three.
Strong performances from local athletes delivered four gold medals, further energising spectators across Ogun State.
Kebbi para-badminton star Ibrahim Tukur added to Nigeria’s tally by winning gold in his classification at the West Africa Para Badminton Championship.
The one-handed athlete, who represents CST/KBTV Badminton Club in Birnin Kebbi, has risen swiftly over the past year.
His club praised his resolve and described him as an inspiring figure for athletes living with disabilities.
Momentum also built across the wider Games, with the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, describing the debut edition as a powerful showcase of resilience and talent among para athletes from the region.
He emphasised Ogun State’s commitment to staging an inclusive and impactful multisport festival.
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Ghana enjoyed a productive third day, securing eight medals to strengthen their position in a competition featuring more than seven hundred athletes from West and Central Africa.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
