Team Nigeria secure a positive triumph at the first West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta, topping the medals table with a dominant performance.
Team Nigeria made history in Abeokuta on 6 December by winning the first edition of the West Africa Para Games, securing overwhelming victory after six days of competition and establishing themselves as the region’s dominant force.
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Team Nigeria finished first on the medals table with 59 gold, 39 silver and 31 bronze medals. Benin Republic followed in a distant second place with four gold, four silver and 14 bronze medals, while Ghana ranked third with three gold, 15 silver and 21 bronze medals.
Cameroon and Ivory Coast completed the top five.
The Nigeria Amputee football team sealed the country’s triumph by defeating Liberia 1–0 to claim the final gold medal during Wednesday’s closing ceremony.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission Mallam Shehu Dikko applauded the athletes, describing their participation as a history-making achievement.
He said more than 400 Para athletes from across West Africa had shown exceptional courage and were the true heroes of African sport.
Dikko also praised the Ogun State Government for its support, noting that the state had continued to align with the Renewed Hope Initiative for the Nigeria Sports Economy.
The commendation highlighted Ogun’s role in delivering accessible facilities and a smooth tournament.
Director General of the NSC Bukola Olopade hailed the performances as heroic and said the Games had increased visibility for Para sports.
Olopade added that the Commission remained committed to hosting more international Para events to build on the success of the inaugural edition and strengthen opportunities for people living with disabilities.
President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria Sunday Odebode expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting disability sports through the National Sports Commission.
He credited Dikko and Olopade for their leadership, calling them instrumental to the success of Para sports nationwide.
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Odebode also thanked the Local Organising Committee, led by Victor Achakpo, for ensuring the smooth running of the Games.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
