As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games kick off, all eyes are on Team Nigeria, which is fielding a formidable squad of 24 athletes across four sports: Para-Athletics, Para-Badminton, Para-Powerlifting, and Para-Table Tennis. This event, which runs from August 28 to September 8, 2024, marks a significant opportunity for Nigeria to reclaim its pride after a challenging performance at the recent Paris Olympics.
Nigeria’s Paralympic history is impressive, with the nation having won 80 medals, including 40 golds, since its debut in Barcelona in 1992. The athletes are well-prepared and motivated to add to this tally, driven by the encouraging words of Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Enoh, who expressed confidence in their potential to bring home medals and restore the nation’s sporting pride.
In Para-Athletics, Nigeria has five athletes ready to compete, with expectations high given the country’s strong track record in this discipline. The competition is fierce, but Team Nigeria is poised to rise to the occasion, driven by their commitment and extensive preparation, which included a training tour in Germany.
Para-Table Tennis also promises exciting matchups, with Nigerian athletes drawn against formidable opponents from Great Britain and China. Despite the tough draw, the team remains optimistic, with athletes like Kayode Alabi expressing readiness to take on any challenge.
As the games progress, Nigeria’s para-athletes continue to embody the resilience and determination that have made them a source of national pride. The nation eagerly awaits the results, hopeful that the team will once again demonstrate its dominance on the global stage.
