While the 2024 Summer Olympics disappointed many Nigerians with no medals, the Nigerian Paralympians in Paris had a different story: “Watch us!” They delivered an incredible performance at the Paralympics, showcasing grit and triumph that restored Nigeria’s pride on the global stage.
Despite sending a more minor team, Nigerian athletes excelled across various sports. Eniola Mariam Bolaji, just 18, made history by defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna to win a bronze in badminton. This Nigeria’s first medal in Paris was not only the first-ever badminton medal for an African player at any Olympics or Paralympics.
In women’s javelin, Flora Ugwunwa secured a silver with a throw of 19.26m, adding to her legacy after winning gold in Rio and Tokyo. Meanwhile, para-athlete Isau Ogunkunle kept the country’s table tennis success alive by earning a bronze in the men’s class 4 competition.
Nigeria’s powerlifters once again showed their dominance. Onyinyechi Mark clinched Nigeria’s first gold medal, setting new records in her category. Esther Ogechi Nworgu added a silver in the up to 41kg powerlifting event, while veteran Bose Omolayo secured her third consecutive podium finish, taking silver with a 149kg lift.
The team captain, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, closed Nigeria’s campaign on a high note, winning gold in powerlifting with a world-record-breaking 167kg lift.
With two golds, three silvers, and two bronzes, Nigeria finished 40th overall and 4th in Africa at the Paralympics—proving that while the Olympics may not have gone their way, the Paralympians made the nation proud.
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