As the world’s top para-athletes gather in Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games, Team Nigeria is poised to make a statement.
After a disappointing performance at the last Olympic Games, the Nigerians are seeking redemption and a chance to restore their country’s pride.
With a strong contingent of 35 athletes, coaches, and medical personnel, Team Nigeria is ready to take on the best of the best and bring home glory.
Key Athletes
At the forefront of Nigeria’s Paralympic quest is Lauritta Onye, a 40-year-old veteran athlete selected as the country’s flag-bearer for the opening ceremony.
Onye, a multiple-time Paralympic medalist, has won gold in the F40 shot put at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro and bronze at the Tokyo 2020 edition.
Her experience and dedication serve as inspiration to her teammates and fans alike.
Folashade Olufemiayo, a gold medalist at the Tokyo Paralympics and silver medalist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, has been named the General Captain for Team Nigeria.
Her leadership and expertise will be crucial in guiding the team to success.
The Nigerian Para-athletes had a training tour in Germany before hitting Paris and are now ready to compete for medals.
Head Coach Nasiru Sule expressed optimism about the team’s performance, saying, “The team is in high spirits, and the athletes are well-motivated to do the country proud. We have been training vigorously, and the atmosphere is calm and conducive.”
Sule, an Atlanta Paralympics Games bronze medalist in table tennis, praised the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) leadership for their focus and planning, stating, “I am optimistic that we will return home with medals, although I cannot predict the exact number or color.”
Team Nigeria won ten medals at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, four of which were gold medals.
With Nigeria failing to win any medal at the Olympic Games in Paris, all eyes are now on the physically challenged athletes to restore the country’s pride.
Dollar Rain
In a rare show of love, passion, and commitment, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has announced the federal government’s upward review of the winning bonuses for Nigeria’s Paralympics participating in the upcoming 2024 Paralympic competition.
The Minister dropped the hint recently during an interactive session with the para-athletes in their training camp at Saarbrucken, Germany.
Senator Enoh stated that the renewed bonus template provides $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000 for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners, respectively.
As the Paralympic Games approach, Team Nigeria is filled with excitement and anticipation.
With their skills, determination, and passion, the Nigerians are ready to take on the world and bring home glory.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is taking place from 28 August to 8 September.
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