The initial competition they faced was about survival, not athletics. Having endured rejection, desertion, and life-threatening situations, Nigerian paralympic athletes overcame societal barriers and scorn to reach the global arena, overcoming suffering and bias to bring honor to their nation, says PETER AKINBO.
A loud metal crash resounded throughout the packed gym at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, as the weights fell heavily.
However, four-time world champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo adjusted her spot on the bench, her strong arms shining beneath the bright overhead lights as she got ready for another lift. Nearby, paralympic athletes and regular weightlifters occupied the tight area, their sounds of effort creating a chorus of perseverance.
It was a sweltering afternoon when our reporter arrived, and the atmosphere within seemed so dense you could almost bite into it. Yet none of it—the intense heat, the outdated gear, nor even the aftermath of a drug ban that had nearly ended her professional journey—could extinguish the passion burning brightly in Oluwafemiayo’s gaze.
Oluwafemiayo is a double heavyweight Paralympic champion and holds multiple world records, continuously breaking her own limits as though she is defying the very fabric of the cosmos.
"I need some fresh air," said the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist afterward, her voice reflecting the burden of one who had carried more than just weights.
Beyond the training room, far from the sound of metal striking and the damp wrestling mats, she shared her tale with our reporter.
"My parents didn't think I was capable of doing powerlifting," she said. The PUNCH Emotion surged through her voice. "They were quite supportive of my condition during my childhood, yes, but when I mentioned wanting to lift weights, they refused. They believed 'as someone with physical challenges, you should only take sedentary jobs.'"
Three thousand kilometers from Abeokuta, 38-year-old Isau Ogunkunle was going through his regular table tennis exercises, with perspiration falling onto the old playing surface.
A former cobbler who accidentally entered para-sports, he had recently created history by becoming the first Nigerian to secure an individual para-table tennis medal since the Sydney 2000 Games. However, even with his bronze medal at Paris 2024—making him the sole African competitor to earn a podium finish in his category—he continues to walk long distances for practice when funds for transportation run short.
Stories forged in pains
A disability manifests in many different ways, each with its own profound impact. At times, it is present from birth, marking the start of a life that society often undervalues. Other times, it appears abruptly, altering everything instantly.
Dr. Felix Faniran, former Head of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, states that disabilities may result from various factors.
"Generally, these causes can be categorized into genetic and congenital disorders occurring at birth, for example, Down Syndrome or cerebral palsy; issues arising during pregnancy and childbirth, such as inadequate prenatal care or birth asphyxia; illnesses and infections, including polio, strokes, and meningitis; incidents and injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls, or violent acts; neglect and unsafe behaviors; aging and progressive health problems like arthritis; and external influences such as undernourishment, economic hardship, and limited availability of medical services," said Dr. Faniran. The PUNCH .
Prior to securing gold in the women's F54 javelin throw event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Flora Ugwunwa had already begun walking at just seven months old—a lively and quick-witted child full of energy. At the age of two, however, she came down with a high fever. Her mother quickly took her to the hospital, not realizing that this incident would change her daughter's future permanently.
"According to my mom, rather than the doctors first soothing my fever, they administered an injection right away, which left both my legs paralyzed," said the 37-year-old, still trying to make sense of everything.
I entered the hospital independently. However, due to an error made by certain healthcare professionals, I am now unable to walk using both of my legs.
A medical mistake, an unfortunate event that might have been avoided, leading to a lifelong change caused by another person's fault, encapsulates Ugwunwa's path through life.
Esther Nworgu, who is currently 23, never received any clarification. When she was just eight years old, her legs suddenly ceased to function.
I didn't have an illness. I simply collapsed, and that was all," she stated. "My parents did everything they could to help me recover my ability to move, both through medical treatment and prayer. It didn't make a difference.
No polio. No shot. No accident. Only a young girl who fell down one day and never stood up again. The doctors were unable to explain to her family what had happened.
Nworgu secured a silver medal in the women's 41kg para-powerlifting competition during the Paris 2024 Games—participating despite having a dislocated shoulder and coming within one kilogram of China's reigning champion, Cui Zhe.
Sodiq Ajibade's life took an unexpected turn. For a brief instant, he was attempting to maintain calm; in the very next moment, he lost his sight.
Two companions were engaged in a fight. He intervened to break up the conflict. A board was thrown at one individual but hit Ajibade's eye instead, destroying his life.
The suffering didn't end there. He was rushed to the hospital, where a critical mistake occurred, resulting in total blindness, Ajibade said. The PUNCH .
The nurse inserted a needle into my second eye," he stated in broken English, his voice filled with sorrow. "That is how I turned into a blind person.
Overwhelmed with sorrow, Ajibade attempted suicide at one point. However, destiny stepped in. Later, he overcame the shadows, etching his name into history by securing a bronze medal in the men's up to 98kg Blind SAMBO division (SVI-1) – the inaugural achievement for an African athlete at the World Championships.
I attempted suicide; I wished to die," he stated plainly. "I ingested six batteries simultaneously to finish my life.
Despair to direction
Sports mean much more for individuals with disabilities than just rivalry; they bring hope, direction, and a way to regain respect. In a society where being left out and facing prejudice frequently define everyday experiences, sports empower people — transforming physical challenges into opportunities and individual difficulties into shared achievement. By engaging in practice and contests, these competitors rediscover their value, build connections, and demonstrate that having a disability doesn’t reduce one’s drive, skill, or entitlement to aspire.
Rescued from the edge of self-harm, Ajibade found renewed purpose through athletics. He later made history as the first African athlete to secure a medal in the men’s +98kg Blind SAMBO division (SVI-1, designated for completely blind competitors) at the World Championships.
A worried neighbor showed him a stadium located in Lagos.
"One of my neighbors introduced me to sports and brought me to the stadium to begin with," he remembered.
In just a short time, Ajibade became proficient in sambo, an intense Russian combat style, even though he had been completely blind. Following his groundbreaking win, his happiness was clearly evident:
"I'm really joyful. I feel great. I'm happy. I'm happy. I'm happy!" he said again.
Initially, I express gratitude to my God. I also appreciate my coach. My coach simplified everything for me.
In addition, Folashade Oluwafemiayo began practicing powerlifting through her uncle in 1999. The initial week proved extremely difficult.
"There have to be hardships; you will experience the pain," she said to our reporter.
If you lack perseverance, you won't return.
She almost gave up. Then her trainer began coming to her home daily.
He said, 'You're capable of it; let's head over there. At minimum, you'll get to see plenty of women still managing it.' That's what made me return.
In 2012, she participated in the Paralympic Games, and during her pregnancy, she earned a silver medal and set a new world record.
In 2010, Isau Ogunkunle was mending footwear in Abeokuta, just scraping by, when a gym instructor came up to him.
"At that point, I was unaware that disabled individuals could participate in sports," he stated.
The trainer brought him to a sports complex. He observed individuals with physical challenges engaging in table tennis. He became immediately fascinated.
He made his debut in an international competition one year later, earning a bronze medal at the 2011 African Championship even with limited experience.
At just 20 years old, Eniola Bolaji has become Africa's inaugural medal winner in both the Olympics and Paralympics for badminton, with her journey to success starting somewhat unexpectedly.
A few days prior to her 13th birthday, a swimming instructor noticed her near a pool in Ilorin and connected her with the late Bello Oyebanji, who later served as her guide, supporter, and rescuer. Whenever she lacked necessary gear, he provided it. During those tough initial weeks when she considered quitting, he refused to let her stop. And when financial support risked ending her sporting journey, he worked relentlessly to obtain endorsements.
God employed him to ensure everything functioned properly," Bolaji stated, her voice trembling. "He acted as a father figure to me. I will never erase him from my memory throughout my life.
Regrettably, Oyebanji was not able to witness her securing a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Games—the first African athlete to earn a medal in badminton at either the Olympic or Paralympic level—before passing away. However, his influence is evident throughout her success.
The price of glory
In November last year, Ajibade stood on the podium in Kyrgyzstan, with a bronze medal shining on his chest, tears streaming down his cheeks. This same young individual, who had previously attempted to take his own life by swallowing six batteries, had now achieved greatness by becoming Africa's first visually impaired athlete to win a gold medal at the Sambo World Championships.
When questioned about who assisted him through tough times," he stated, "his late older sister provided support.
Athletics rescued him. The affection from his sibling was instrumental in saving him. And today, he is etching his name into history.
The journey from hardship to success goes beyond just skill or perseverance, and for these athletes, it calls for even greater strength. It involves dealing with a community that sees disability as something embarrassing, a sporting environment where para-athletes are often overlooked, and challenges that could overwhelm many non-disabled competitors.
Isau Ogunkunle experienced it every day.
"One of the major challenges was transport," he said The PUNCH .
I used to live far away from the stadium, and at times I didn't have sufficient funds for transportation. I'd often walk great distances simply to get to practice.
Upon his arrival, he frequently practiced without a trainer or proper gear. "There wasn't steady financial support," he mentioned. "I had to handle many things independently."
Additionally, Bolaji, who trained in Ilorin as the sole paralympic athlete among physically fit competitors, faced continuous ridicule.
"Usually, I walk to practice half the way and then take a taxi to the stadium," she mentioned during an interview in 2022. The PUNCH .
I often listen to many discouraging remarks during practice. People suggest that I could achieve more in life instead of attending training, running around, and playing badminton.
The bias goes further than just training centers.
An event continues to trouble Esther Nworgu. Her brother's wife, aware of her background, saw her passing by and questioned, "Ogechi, why do you walk that way?"
"It hurt me because she was aware of my situation," Nworgu said, crying.
Veteran powerlifter Roland Ezuruike observed motorists becoming frustrated as he entered cars.
The 49-year-old stated, 'Navigating was another difficulty since drivers lacked sufficient patience to take us.'
Still, these 'unique' individuals remain.
Oluwafemiago works out in that small, hot gym located in Surulere, occasionally in Ogun State, together with athletes who do not have disabilities. Ogunkunle completes his exercises on old tables in Abeokuta. Bolaji pays no attention to those who tease him and arrives every day.
Nworgu follows a guiding principle that fuels her perseverance.
Only my legs are impacted," she stated confidently. "The rest of my body remains robust.
When champions are made
Paris 2024. September 6th. La Chapelle Arena. Women's +61kg Paralympic Powerlifting Final.
A 24-year-old athlete named Onyinyechi Mark performed consistently during her initial attempts, but when she lifted 147kg on her last try, the stadium erupted. This set a new Paralympic record. Although the gold medal seemed assured, Mark aimed higher. She adjusted herself, took a deep breath, and shouted loudly. The bar moved upward. The audience became quiet. Then she completed the lift—150kg. That established a world record. Gold medal. Nigeria's first achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
"I've put in a lot of effort to be here at these Games," she said to journalists afterward, still filled with excitement.
I expected myself to win the gold. I came here today with the intention to win, and I succeeded; I'm very pleased.
Within less than an hour, she had already started making plans, looking forward, "I will work even harder to ensure I win my gold back in Los Angeles 2028."
On the very same day, only a few hours before, Nworgu arrived at the platform for the women's 41kg competition. Her right shoulder was firmly wrapped; she had suffered a dislocation two days earlier, and medical professionals had advised against her participating.
She still participated. Those who watched might have thought she was lifting using just one arm; she lifted 113 kg, finishing one kilogram short of the reigning champion Cui Zhe from China.
She earned a silver medal despite having a dislocated shoulder.
I was extremely emotional because I didn't expect to win any medal at this event," she stated, with tears flowing down her cheeks. "I cannot find any word to describe how happy I am right now. It feels like paradise to me.
Following the awarding of the medal, she fell to the floor alongside her coach, both women overwhelmed by feelings.
Three days after, Oluwafemiayo competed in the women's over 86kg class. Having previously won gold at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, she aimed to make more history. She hoisted 167kg—which set a new world record.
Gold. Third straight Paralympic medal. A leading figure among the world's top weightlifters.
Success continued to follow her. Ugwunwa achieved 19.26 meters in the javelin event to claim silver—the third straight Paralympic medal for her (gold in Rio, silver in Tokyo, and silver again in Paris).
Bolaji overcame Ukraine's Oksana Kozyna with scores of 21-9 and 21-9, making her the first African athlete to win an Olympic or Paralympic badminton medal.
Former cobbler Ogunkunle made history as the first Nigerian since Sydney 2000 to secure an individual para table tennis medal.
However, one of the most intense emotional moments occurred during Paris's quarterfinal match, where Ogunkunle encountered Thomas Massima from France—an athlete who had previously defeated him twice, including at Tokyo 2020 and once more in Italy 2023.
Certainly, the third attempt proved successful.
I had already accepted another difficult defeat," Ogunkunle confessed. "However, Coach Nasiru Sule took me aside and explained the game plan: how to predict Massima's serves, when to transition into an attacking style, and how to interpret his spin.
Ogunkunle adhered strictly to all guidelines. He bested Massima in front of more than 37,000 French supporters.
"He said he shed tears of happiness after his victory," he mentioned The PUNCH My team members observed the fast on my behalf. I was not required to fast because I was the 'lead character.'
The Paris Paralympic Games concluded with Nigeria securing seven medals—comprising two golds, three silvers, and two bronzes. In contrast, their non-disabled athletes at the Olympic Games returned empty-handed, earning no medals.
Cries for greater rewards
After returning from the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Nigeria's par athletes were welcomed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the Presidential Residence in Abuja.
Today, we honor more than just the medals; we recognize the enduring strength that characterizes our athletes," she stated. "Your names will be recorded in the pages of history as victors.
The response was welcoming, filled with admiration and acknowledgment.
The head of the Nigerian Paralympic Committee, Sunday Odebode, stated that every athlete was provided with monetary compensation prior to their departure from Paris.
He emphasized again that there wasn’t one specific issue regarding the payment of athletes' benefits.
All athletes had their fees completely covered. According to the PCN, those who won gold medals got $1,500, silver medalists received $1,000, and bronze medalists were awarded $500.
Individuals who failed to secure medals, together with their coaches, were given $100 apiece. Furthermore, the support staff received $1,000 for their contributions," Odebode said.
He further mentioned that the federal administration, via the Department of Sport, provided extra monetary incentives—$15,000 for those who won gold medals, $10,000 for silver recipients, and $5,000 for individuals securing bronze.
In comparison to the United States, Paralympic athletes who won medals were awarded $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze — the same as their Olympic counterparts. Moreover, all members of Team USA, both Olympic and Paralympic competitors, currently receive a minimum of $200,000 in retirement benefits, with higher sums available for those competing in multiple Games.
Turkey is offering as much as $500,000 for a Paralympic gold medal. Nations such as Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, and Iraq also make significant investments in the Paralympics, supplying top-notch infrastructure and organized training programs.
In February 2024, prior to the event in Paris, Ugwunwa raised an inquiry on Facebook: "Lately, we witnessed how the Super Eagles were recognized by Nigeria’s president... how financial institutions and various organizations rewarded them with millions of dollars after securing silver... what has led the Paralympic athletes to fall short in showcasing their nation? Could it be due to their disabilities?"
Meanwhile, Nigeria's paralympic athletes train in small gyms with old equipment, walk long distances when they can’t afford transportation, and come back from global competitions only to see their non-disabled peers—who may have won fewer or no medals—getting much greater recognition and rewards.
"I'm a champion, yet when people spot me on the street, I don't appear like one," said Abdulazeez Ibrahim, a powerlifting champion, to Voice of America in 2019.
But travel overseas, you witness their athletes. They're people with disabilities, observe their lifestyles, notice their vehicles. It's quite distinct. Each day, we consistently bring honor to Nigeria, yet they do not reciprocate. Why?
Former president of Nigeria's para powerlifting association, Queen Uboh, stated plainly, "If they could direct just 10 percent of the focus they currently place on soccer or football towards para powerlifting or para athletics, that would be an excellent beginning."
Sheriff Hammed, who holds the position of Vice President at Nigeria's Sambo Association, has a wider perspective.
"The truth is that Nigeria's para-athletes keep achieving extraordinary accomplishments internationally despite receiving just a small portion of the backing they merit," he stated.
They serve as some of our most influential representatives, but their training conditions are frequently among the hardest. These athletes aren't seeking pity; they're demanding organization, integration, and fair support.
If we provide them with suitable resources, financial support, and growth initiatives, they not only take part in competitions but also bring honor to Nigeria.
Beyond the podium
These athletes' influence goes well past just winning trophies. They are changing perceptions among Nigerians about disabilities, demonstrating that restrictions mainly come from mental barriers rather than physical ones.
Nworgu expressed this mindset beautifully: "I prefer utilizing 't-h-i-s' within my capabilities rather than 'd-i-s.' Where others perceive disability, I recognize potential. What some view as limitation, I see as power and skill."
She has initiated a campaign titled "One Facility, One Ramp," advocating that each bank, shopping center, place of worship, and temple should have wheelchair access ramps installed.
Ugwunwa has taken an even stronger approach toward embracing her disability.
One aspect of myself is that I do not view disability negatively, although others may perceive it as a punishment," she stated. "In my opinion, disability is a gift. I never ask for the ability to leave this wheelchair. Occasionally, I listen to my wonderful husband asking that I might walk again. I simply respond by telling him to adjust his prayers.
She has achieved Olympic gold, established world records, married, raised children, and launched ventures in baking and shoe production—all from her wheelchair.
At age 15, Omolayo left her home after being rejected by her family, but today she is married to a minister and has three kids—exactly what her family claimed she would never achieve. She has constructed a house, established a church, and intends to host paralympic events once she retires.
"I was once turned away by my family, but they are now delighted for me," she stated.
They are near me now.
Ogunkunle also hopes to go back to making shoes, but this time as a business owner instead of a struggling artisan. "I aim to utilize the earnings from sports to create something long-lasting," he mentioned.
Among young athletes such as Mark, Bolaji, and Nworgu, who are all in their early 20s, the path ahead looks promising.
This shows that even when the human soul faces challenges that appear impossible to handle, it doesn't just endure — it ascends and flies high.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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