By Maxwell Kumoye, Haruna Mubarak and Oluwatobiloba Kumoye in Abeokuta
The maiden West African Para Games may have drawn its curtain, but its thunder will echo across the sub-region for years to come.
The ancient and iconic Rock City of Abeokuta didn’t just host a competition, it staged a celebration of courage, talent, unity, and the unstoppable rise of Para Sports in Africa.
For the ancient city vintage hospitality, it was a triumph on every front:
✓ Booming business
✓ Renewed government support
✓ Heightened media visibility
✓ Facilities humming with new life.
Ten nations came together in a spirited mix of competition and friendship, strengthening bilateral ties while giving athletes the perfect platform to sharpen their blades for future continental and global showdowns, including the Paralympic Games.
And at the heart of it all stood Team Nigeria, rewriting history in blazing colours.
NIGERIA SWEPT THE PODIUM
After six gruelling, enervating, electrifying and equally exciting days, Nigeria stamped its authority as the continent’s Para Sports powerhouse and the medals table tells lthe story loud and clear.
• Nigeria: 59 Gold, 39 Silver, 31 Bronze
• Benin: 4 Gold, 4 Silver, 14 Bronze
• Ghana: 3 Gold, 15 Silver, 21 Bronze
• Cameroon: 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze
• Côte d’Ivoire: 1 Gold
The closing day brought more drama as Nigeria’s Amputee Football Team sealed the final gold medal, edging Liberia 1–0 in a gripping finale, a perfect capstone to a story of grit and glory.
Wheelchair Basketball also signed out with Team Nigeria as the supreme leader.
LEADERS APPLAUD A NEW ERA OF PARA SPORTS
National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, hailed the Games as a generational milestone.
“This is history in the making and the over 400 Para athletes are the true heroes of African sports.”
He praised Ogun State for aligning with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy, emphasising the state’s unwavering commitment to sports development.
NSC Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, echoed the sentiment:
“We are proud to be part of Games that have brought greater visibility to Para sports and renewed hope to people living with disabilities.”
He assured that the Commission is prepared to host even more international Para competitions in the future.
President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Sunday Odebode, reserved special praise for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NSC leadership.
“This historic competition wouldn’t have been possible without the visionary leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olopade. They are the best thing that has ever happened to Para sports in Nigeria.”
He also saluted Victor Achakpo and the entire Local Organising Committee for their tireless dedication.
A LEGACY BORN IN ABEOKUTA
The West African Para Games didn’t just end, they began a new chapter.
A chapter where Para athletes stand at the centre of national pride. An era where nations collaborate, compete, and celebrate together.
The giant of Africa – Nigeria led from the front, inspired the continent.
Abeokuta hosted the first edition. Nigeria conquered it and Africa as well as the rest of the world will remember it.
