Paris, France – September 2024
Nigeria has successfully concluded its campaign at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, marking yet another remarkable chapter in the country’s proud history of Paralympic sports. Team Nigeria finished 40th in the overall medal standings, amassing a total of seven medals, including two golds, three silvers, and two bronzes, demonstrating the athletes’ determination and the nation’s growing strength in Paralympic sports.
The medal haul was led by Nigerian powerlifting stars and athletes from various disciplines who gave their all on the global stage, bringing honor to their country. Among the highlights was the extraordinary performance of Onyinyechi Mark, who shattered the Paralympic record in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category by lifting an astonishing 145kg, securing one of Nigeria’s two gold medals. Mark’s performance has further cemented her as one of the country’s most dominant athletes in powerlifting and left an indelible mark on the Paris Games.
Nigeria’s second gold came courtesy of Folashade Oluwafemiayo in the women’s over 86kg powerlifting category. Oluwafemiayo, already a well-known figure in the sport, continued her outstanding form by taking home the gold and reinforcing Nigeria’s supremacy in the world of Para-powerlifting. With a commanding lift that left the crowd in awe, Oluwafemiayo proudly stood atop the podium as the Nigerian flag soared above Paris.
The nation’s silver medalists also shone brightly. Flora Ugwunwa, competing in the Women’s Javelin F54 category, earned her silver medal with an impressive throw of 19.26 meters. Ugwunwa’s performance showcased her consistency and elite status as one of Nigeria’s best Paralympic athletes, adding to her growing collection of medals after previously winning gold in Rio and Tokyo. Her achievements in Paris prove that she remains a force to be reckoned with in the global Paralympic community.
Bose Omolayo, another Nigerian powerhouse in powerlifting, took home silver in the women’s up to 79kg Para-powerlifting category, lifting an impressive 145kg despite facing injury concerns. Omolayo’s perseverance and resilience, battling through pain and discomfort, earned her a well-deserved spot on the podium for the third consecutive Paralympic Games. She added this silver to her previous gold medals from Rio and Tokyo, further solidifying her legacy as a Paralympic champion.
In addition, Esther Nworgu claimed silver in the Powerlifting Women’s up to 41 kg category. Nworgu’s performance continued Nigeria’s dominance in the sport, and her feat in Paris provided more evidence of the nation’s stronghold on the Paralympic powerlifting scene. Her contribution to Nigeria’s medal tally brought immense pride to the country and reinforced the depth of talent within the team.
Another standout moment for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games came from the world of Para Table Tennis, where Isau Ogunkunle made history by becoming the first Nigerian player to win an individual medal in Para Table Tennis since the Sydney 2000 Games. Competing in the Men’s Singles Class 4 event, Ogunkunle fought his way through the rounds and secured the bronze medal, earning Nigeria its first-ever medal in the sport after over two decades. His achievement was met with widespread celebration as Ogunkunle’s resilience and skill captivated fans back home and at the Games.
Ogunkunle’s historic bronze not only boosted Nigeria’s overall medal count but also provided hope and inspiration for the future of Para Table Tennis in the country, potentially signaling the start of a new era for Nigerian athletes in the sport.
Team Nigeria’s Journey: A Tale of Triumph and Determination
As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games come to a close, the performance of Team Nigeria stands as a testament to the country’s enduring spirit of excellence and determination. While the medal count may seem modest compared to previous Games, the achievements of the athletes on display were nothing short of extraordinary.
Powerlifting continued to be Nigeria’s strongest suit, contributing the lion’s share of the medals. Athletes like Onyinyechi Mark, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Bose Omolayo, and Esther Nworgu showed once again why Nigeria is a global powerhouse in the sport, consistently dominating the podium. Each of these athletes’ performances was characterized by grit, strength, and a deep commitment to making Nigeria proud.
Javelin athlete Flora Ugwunwa also delivered yet another strong showing, building on her legacy as one of the country’s most decorated Paralympic competitors. Her silver medal finish in Paris adds to her impressive collection of medals and further highlights the breadth of talent in Nigerian athletics beyond the powerlifting arena.
For Ogunkunle, his bronze medal in Para Table Tennis was a breakthrough moment for Nigerian representation in the sport at the Paralympic level. His achievement opens new doors for young aspiring Nigerian table tennis players with disabilities and shows that the country has the potential to excel in a wider range of Paralympic disciplines.
Looking Ahead: Building on the Success of Paris 2024
As Team Nigeria prepares to return home from Paris, the athletes’ performances are already sparking conversations about the future of Paralympic sports in Nigeria. The dedication and success displayed by these athletes highlight the need for continued investment in sports development, especially for persons with disabilities.
Nigeria’s strong showing in powerlifting underscores the importance of building and maintaining robust training programs and facilities that will enable future athletes to continue excelling in international competitions. Additionally, Ogunkunle’s historic performance in Para Table Tennis signals the potential for the expansion of Paralympic sports in Nigeria beyond traditional strengths like powerlifting and athletics.
The Nigerian government, sports authorities, and corporate sponsors now have a unique opportunity to build on the momentum generated by these Paralympic stars. By investing in infrastructure, training facilities, and grassroots programs, Nigeria can ensure that future generations of Paralympic athletes will continue to achieve great success on the world stage.
Conclusion: A Campaign to Remember
With seven medals and a 40th-place finish on the global medal table, Team Nigeria leaves the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games with their heads held high. The athletes’ performances—marked by broken records, perseverance through injury, and historic achievements—have brought immense pride to the nation.
As Nigeria’s Paralympians return home, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of millions of Nigerians who look to them as symbols of resilience, strength, and national pride. The stories of Onyinyechi Mark, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Flora Ugwunwa, Bose Omolayo, Esther Nworgu, and Isau Ogunkunle will continue to inspire future generations of athletes for years to come.
