Team Nigeria Ends Paralympic Games in Style, as Folashade Oluwafemiayo Breaks World Record to Win Gold

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has expressed immense joy and pride following Team Nigeria’s incredible performance at the Paralympics, which concluded with a remarkable a gold medal and a historic world record on the final day.

Nigeria’s para-powerlifting star, Folashade Oluwafemiayo made history by breaking her own world record in the Women’s Over 86kg Para-Powerlifting category.

She became the first para-athlete to lift an incredible 166kg surpassing her previous world record of 165kg.

Team Nigeria finished the Paralympic Games on a high note, winning 2 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals, bringing the nation’s total medal tally to seven.

Reacting to this outstanding performance, Senator John Owan Enoh said, “this is a moment of jubilation for Nigeria! Folashade Oluwafemiayo’s world record and gold medal, along with the collective achievements of Team Nigeria, have filled the nation with pride. “

“We celebrate not only the medals but also the spirit of resilience and determination that our athletes have shown.”

The Honourable Minister emphasized the government’s continued commitment to supporting Para sports, pledging that Team Nigeria’s success will serve as inspiration for the next generation of athletes.

“As we close this chapter of the Paralympic Games, we are reminded of the importance of investing in our athletes. Their success motivates us to do more in providing the necessary resources and support for their continued growth and achievements.”

SportsDay

Related story: Eniola Bolaji Clinches Nigeria’s First Medal at 2024 Paris Paralympics

Eniola Bolaji Clinches Nigeria’s First Medal at 2024 Paris Paralympics

Nigeria has secured its first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, thanks to a stellar performance by 18-year-old Eniola Bolaji.

Bolaji captured a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 badminton event, defeating Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana in a dominant 2-0 victory on Monday at the La Chapelle Arena.

In a match that lasted just 24 minutes, Bolaji overpowered her Ukrainian opponent with identical 21-9 scores in both sets.

Her commanding performance in the third-place match marks a historic achievement, as she not only secured Nigeria’s first medal at this year’s Games but also solidified her place as one of Africa’s rising stars in para-badminton.

Bolaji’s journey to the podium has been nothing short of remarkable. On Sunday, she became the first African athlete to reach the semi-final of a badminton event at the Paralympic Games, after defeating India’s Mandeep Kaur 2-0 in the quarter-final.

Despite her dreams of gold being dashed in the semi-final by China’s Xiao Zhuxian, Bolaji’s determination remained unshaken as she stormed back to claim the bronze.

The young para-athlete had dedicated her participation in the Paris Paralympics to her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a road accident while Bolaji was preparing for the Tokyo Olympics. Bolaji had vowed to honor his memory by winning a medal at the Paralympics, a promise she has now fulfilled.

As Nigeria celebrates Bolaji’s achievement, attention now turns to other athletes who will compete later in the Games.

Flora Ugwunwa is set to compete in the final of the F54 women’s shot put, hoping to add to Nigeria’s medal tally. Additionally, Kayode Alabi and Isau Ogunkunle are scheduled to take part in the round of 16 in the men’s table tennis event.

With Bolaji’s triumph setting the tone, Nigeria’s athletes continue to demonstrate their resilience and determination on the world stage, bringing pride and inspiration to their nation.

By Chioma Kalu, Arise

Video - Nigeria takes pride in para sports performances

Nigeria is a dominant force in para sports in Africa, besides producing global champions. The country finished the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with four gold, silver and five bronze medals to finish third in the continent behind Tunisia and Algeria. Nigeria has featured in every summer Paralympics since it made its debut at Barcelona 1992 and the sport has evolved a lot in the country since then as CGTN's Deji Bademosi reports.

CGTN Africa