By Eyere Ekuta
The stage is set for a landmark celebration of resilience, talent, and national unity as the 3rd National Para Games officially commence today at the iconic Moshood Abiola National Stadium. The opening ceremony is expected to draw top government officials, sports administrators, and thousands of athletes from across the country, marking the beginning of Nigeria’s premier para-sport event.
According to the National Sports Commission (NSC), the ceremony will be led by prominent dignitaries including Sunday Dare, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, alongside the Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Bukola Olopade.
The Games, running from March 26 to April 3, 2026, will feature over 3,000 athletes representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, competing across 15 sports. These include para athletics, wheelchair basketball, para swimming, amputee football, sitting volleyball, para powerlifting, and wheelchair tennis, among others.
Beyond competition, it stands as a symbol of determination and equal opportunity for athletes living with disabilities.
As the Games open, Nigeria’s para-sport community is already celebrating a major international breakthrough. The Nigeria Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team, popularly known as AmaWheela, has secured Africa’s sole ticket to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The team achieved this feat at the IWBF Africa 3x3 Qualifiers in Luanda, defeating South Africa 8–3 in a decisive match. The victory was particularly remarkable as it came after an earlier 7–3 loss to the same opponents in the group stage.
Captain Gbemisola Olubisi led the team’s inspiring comeback, demonstrating leadership and resilience that have become hallmarks of the squad’s identity.
Reacting to the achievement, Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation President Seyi Johnson praised the players and acknowledged the support of the NSC. He expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and belief in their ability to deliver on the continental stage.
While the women’s team secured qualification, Nigeria’s men’s team narrowly missed out, falling 13–8 to South Africa in the final, leaving the men’s ticket to their rivals.
The success of AmaWheela underscores the importance of the National Para Games as a pipeline for elite talent. The Games are widely regarded as a breeding ground for future international stars who will represent Nigeria at events such as the Paralympic Games, African Championships, and the Commonwealth Games.
The 2026 para games, in particular, is expected to produce more breakthrough performances, as increased investment and attention continue to elevate para sports in Nigeria. The visibility and recognition gained by athletes like those of AmaWheela serve as inspiration for emerging competitors across the country.
The Games not only celebrate athletic excellence but also reinforce the message of inclusion, resilience, and national pride.
As the opening ceremony unfolds in Abuja, attention turns to the athletes who embody courage and determination qualities that define the spirit of the National Para Games and signal a promising future for Nigerian para sports on the global stage.
