Abuja, Nigeria – A new era of inclusive sports is dawning in West Africa as the Nigeria Unconquered Foundation (NUF) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the region’s first-ever para-athletes games.
In what has been described as a bold and visionary step towards equality, empowerment, and regional integration, the biennial sporting event—slated to debut in the first quarter of 2026—aims to spotlight the remarkable abilities of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and wounded veterans, who for too long have been left on the sidelines of mainstream athletics.
The official signing ceremony took place on Thursday in Abuja, drawing attention and commendation from regional and international observers, disability advocates, and stakeholders in the world of sports and development.
A Regional Movement for Inclusive Excellence
The para-athletes games will rotate among ECOWAS member states through a competitive bidding process, allowing each country the opportunity to host, invest in, and showcase disability-inclusive infrastructure and innovation.
Bobby Ojeh, Executive Director of the Nigeria Unconquered Foundation, described the partnership as more than symbolic—it’s a signal of a seismic shift in how West Africa treats its most resilient and often overlooked citizens.
“The signing of this MoU is more than a formality. It represents our shared resolve to create real opportunities for para-athletes and persons with disabilities across the sub-region,” Ojeh said.
“This is about more than sports. It’s about restoring dignity, creating visibility, and igniting dreams in communities that are often excluded from national conversations.”
The Nigeria Unconquered Foundation, widely respected for its work with wounded veterans and adaptive athletes, sees the upcoming games as the natural evolution of its advocacy work—a powerful regional platform that will challenge stigma and rewrite narratives around disability and strength.
ECOWAS Steps Forward with Conviction
For Francis Njoagwuani, Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, the significance of the event extends far beyond athletics.
“Para-athletes are citizens, taxpayers and contributors to our economies,” he declared.
“We’ve seen the global impact of the Paralympic and Invictus Games. There is absolutely no reason why ECOWAS cannot lead a similar movement in West Africa.”
Njoagwuani emphasized that the para-athletes games will not only amplify existing ECOWAS frameworks on disability rights and youth development but will also catalyze policy changes, inclusive infrastructure development, and a cultural shift toward acceptance and appreciation of diversity in sports.
He also urged ECOWAS member states, civil society organizations, and private sector investors to view the games as a viable part of the sports economy in the region, not just a social intervention.
“This is not just about doing good; this is about doing smart,” Njoagwuani added.
“Investing in inclusive sports is investing in tourism, innovation, human capital, and regional solidarity.”
What to Expect in 2026
The inaugural West African Para-Athletes Games are expected to attract hundreds of athletes from the 15 ECOWAS member states, competing in a wide range of adaptive sports including:
- Wheelchair Basketball
- Para-Athletics
- Amputee Football
- Blind Football
- Sitting Volleyball
- Para-Powerlifting
- Wheelchair Tennis
- Table Tennis for the Visually Impaired
The event will also feature inclusive cultural showcases, youth innovation hubs, sports technology expos, and veteran-led dialogues, making it a holistic celebration of resilience, talent, and pan-African unity.
Organisers are committed to international standards in facilities, officiating, and athlete care. The games will serve not only as a regional competition but could become a qualifying platform for global events such as the Paralympics, positioning West African athletes on the world stage.
A Game Changer for Disability Rights
While the games will no doubt thrill audiences with athletic feats, their deeper purpose lies in reshaping attitudes. In many West African societies, persons with disabilities still face extreme social exclusion, economic marginalization, and limited access to opportunities.
By placing para-athletes front and center, the games aim to challenge stereotypes, prove that disability is not inability, and showcase how adaptive sports can serve as a powerful tool for rehabilitation, advocacy, and empowerment.
The ripple effects are expected to include:
- Increased investment in disability-friendly infrastructure
- National policy reforms around inclusive education and employment
- Greater visibility for disability-focused organizations and athletes
- New business opportunities in sports tourism and innovation
Call to Action: The Time Is Now
As preparations begin in earnest, both NUF and ECOWAS are calling on governments, corporations, and development partners to rally behind the vision.
“This is not a Nigeria project. This is a West Africa project,” Bobby Ojeh emphasized.
“We need sponsors, we need volunteers, we need leaders who believe in inclusion—not just in words but in action.”
Plans are already underway to establish national coordination committees, launch a comprehensive media campaign, and build partnerships with sports federations, disability rights groups, and international agencies.
With just over a year until the games debut, the focus is on building not just an event, but a movement—one that empowers athletes, educates societies, and emboldens a new generation to believe that there is ability in every body.
Looking Ahead
As West Africa takes this historic leap toward a more inclusive future, the launch of the West African Para-Athletes Games will be remembered as a defining moment—a time when a region chose to see its strength in its diversity.
From the streets of Lagos to the stadiums of Dakar, from the villages of Sierra Leone to the capital cities of Niger and Ghana, the roar of determination is growing louder.
In 2026, that roar will echo across a continent and into history.
The athletes are ready. The world is watching. And West Africa is unconquered.
