Nigeria celebrated outstanding achievements on the international sports stage, as Folashade Oluwafemiayo made history by breaking her own world record in the women’s over 86kg Para-Powerlifting category.
As Team Nigeria’s captain, she became the first para-athlete to lift 167kg at the Games, surpassing her previous record of 166kg. This impressive feat secured her the gold medal, while China’s Deng Xuemei won silver with a 155kg lift, and Egypt’s Nadia Ali took bronze with a 145kg lift.
In addition to Oluwafemiayo’s success, Team Nigeria’s athletes delivered notable performances across various events. Flora Ugwunwa earned a silver medal in the Women’s Javelin F54 category with a remarkable throw of 19.26 meters, showcasing her skill in a highly competitive field. In the Women’s 79kg Para Powerlifting category, Bose Omolayo secured another silver for Nigeria by lifting 145kg.
The country also made strides in Para Table Tennis as Isau Ogunkunle won a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles Class 4 event, marking Nigeria’s first individual medal in Para Table Tennis since the Sydney 2000 Games.
Reacting to the athletes’ successes, Senator Enoh expressed pride in Team Nigeria’s Paralympic athletes. He highlighted their dedication, resilience, and passion, stating, “We are immensely proud of our Team Nigeria Paralympic athletes. Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Isau Ogunkunle have brought us immense pride and joy with their incredible performances on the global stage.”
He also emphasized the government’s ongoing support for para-sports, reaffirming a commitment to provide the necessary resources for Nigerian athletes to excel internationally. “Our champions have shown once again that disability is not a limitation. As a nation, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all athletes, regardless of ability, can thrive and make us proud on the global stage,” he said.
