Sports

Nigeria Shines at 2024 Paralympics: See the Number of Medals won by Nigerians

Published by Gabriel Shiel on September 9th, 2024.

Nigeria Shines at 2024 Paralympics: See the Number of Medals won by Nigerians

Nigeria concluded the Paralympic Games on Sunday with a commendable performance, securing seven medals: two gold, three silver, and two bronze. The nation ranked 40th among the 83 participating countries.

Folashade Oluwafemiayo, a Nigerian para-powerlifter, won a gold medal and set two new world records with a lift of 167kg in the women’s 86kg category. This historic achievement made her the first para-athlete to reach such a milestone, earning Nigeria its second gold of the Games. At 39, Oluwafemiayo, who previously won silver at the London 2012 Paralympics, has now become a two-time Paralympic champion.

In addition to Oluwafemiayo’s success, Nigerian athletes delivered impressive performances throughout the Games. Flora Ugwunwa earned a silver in the women’s javelin F54 event, while Onyinyechi Mark claimed gold in Para-powerlifting with a lift of 147kg. Esther Nworgu also won silver in the women’s 41kg Para-powerlifting event, setting two new Paralympic records.

Eniola Bolaji made history by becoming the first African to medal in badminton at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games, taking home a bronze after a straight-set victory over her Ukrainian competitor.

Nigeria’s medal tally included two gold, three silver, and two bronze. These achievements highlight the exceptional dedication and skill of Nigerian para-athletes on the global stage.

Onyinyechi Mark earned Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Games in the powerlifting finals on Friday. Esther Nworgu added another silver on Wednesday in the women’s 41kg Para-powerlifting event, and Bose Omolayo secured a silver in the 79kg Para-powerlifting category.

John Enoh, the sports minister, praised Oluwafemiayo for her remarkable performance, noting her skill, determination, and spirit. He highlighted her achievement as a historic moment for Nigerian powerlifting and the Paralympics.

The closing ceremony, held at the Stade de France, featured a tribute to Parisian nightlife with performances by 24 artists from the French electronic music scene. China led the medal table, setting 29 new world records.