Nigerian Paralympians Win Big in Paris, Bags 7 Medals in Total 

The 2024 Summer Olympics may have frustrated many Nigerians by failing to produce a single medal, but the Nigerian Paralympians in Paris sent a different message: “Watch us!” Their great performance at the Summer Paralympics demonstrated resilience, determination, and remarkable accomplishments, re-establishing Nigeria’s global presence.

Despite having a lesser contingent, the Nigerian Paralympians succeeded in a variety of categories. Eniola Mariam Bolaji, an 18-year-old badminton player, created history by defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna in straight sets (21-9, 21-9) to win bronze. Not only was this Nigeria’s first medal in Paris, but it was also the first badminton medal won by an African athlete at either the Olympics or the Paralympic Games.

Flora Ugwunwa continued her winning streak in the women’s javelin event, capturing the silver medal with a throw of 19.26 meters. The 40-year-old Paralympian has now won medals in three consecutive Paralympics, adding this silver to her previous golds in Rio and Tokyo.

Isau Ogunkunle, an Ogun-born paraathlete, also did Nigeria proud by taking a bronze medal in the men’s class 4 table tennis competition, carrying on the country’s legacy of sporting prowess.

Nigerian powerlifters once again showed their superiority at the Paralympics. Onyinyechi Mark won Nigeria’s first gold medal in Paris, setting new marks in her category by lifting 146 kg, 147 kg, and 150 kg. Esther Ogechi Nworgu also contributed to Nigeria’s medal total, winning silver in the women’s up to 41 kg powerlifting event.

Bose Omolayo, a Paralympic veteran, won silver with a 149 kg lift, marking her third consecutive podium finish. Despite multiple difficulties on and off the pitch, she finished ahead of Egypt’s Safaa Hassan and behind China’s Han Miayou, who broke the world record with a 154 kg lift to win gold.

Team leader Folashade Oluwafemiayo put on a remarkable performance, winning a gold medal in powerlifting and shattering two world records with a staggering 167 kg lift. Her triumph was a fitting finale to Nigeria’s campaign and a crowning success for the entire team.

Overall, Nigeria won seven medals—two gold, three silver, and two bronze—ranking 40th on the Paralympic medal table and fourth in Africa, trailing Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.