Nigeria Dominates Para Powerlifting At West Africa Para Games
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
TEAM Nigeria stamped its authority on the Para Powerlifting event at the maiden West Africa Para Games, finishing top of the medals table with an impressive 10 out of the 15 medals contested on Sunday at the Alake Sport Centre in Abeokuta.
According to results released by the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, Olabisi Afolabi-Oluwayemisi, Nigeria captured four gold, four silver and two bronze medals. Côte d’Ivoire followed with one gold, while Ghana secured one silver and two bronze. Benin Republic rounded off the table with a bronze.
Nigeria’s gold medals came from Ibrahim Dauda in the men’s 59kg, Kayode Blessing in the men’s 65kg, Esther Oyema in the women’s lightweight category and Mark Onyinyechi in the women’s heavyweight class. Côte d’Ivoire’s Ado Adouherve claimed the men’s heavyweight gold.
Reacting to the victory, national coach Ijeoma Eherogbe expressed delight, noting that the team’s strong performance was the result of determination and persistence throughout the three-day event.
“I am so excited that Nigeria came first despite all odds. We achieved this through hard work and commitment. It has not been easy, but we thank God,” she said.
