Team Nigeria has asserted its dominance in para powerlifting at the inaugural West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta, finishing at the top of the medals table after a commanding performance on Sunday.
The contests, held at the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta,
produced 15 medals across various weight categories, with Nigeria claiming ten of them to secure the overall lead.
Figures released by the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation show that the country’s athletes earned four gold medals, four silver and two bronze to outclass competitors from neighbouring nations.
Côte d’Ivoire finished a distant second with a single gold medal, while Ghana managed one silver and two bronze medals. Benin Republic picked up the remaining bronze on offer.
Nigeria’s gold rush began in the men’s events, where Ibrahim Dauda triumphed in the 59kg category and Kayode Blessing topped the 65kg division.
In the women’s field, experienced lifter Esther Oyema secured top spot in the lightweight class, while Mark Onyinyechi dominated the heavyweight category.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Ado Adouherve prevented a clean sweep by winning gold in the men’s heavyweight segment.
Speaking after the final rounds, national coach Ijeoma Eherogbe described the team’s showing as a reward for commitment and perseverance.
She explained that the para powerlifting competition, which started on Friday and ended on Sunday, demanded intense concentration from the athletes.
She noted that despite the pressures associated with the Games, the Nigerian lifters rose to the occasion.
“It has been a challenging few days, but the determination of the athletes made the difference,” she said, expressing satisfaction with the country’s overall performance.
The result reinforces Nigeria’s reputation as a regional force in para powerlifting and sets a strong tone for future editions of the West Africa Para Games.
