By Eyere Ekuta
Action continued to build at the ongoing National Para Games in Abuja, with Day 3 producing some of the most exciting performances so far, particularly in amputee football.
At the Moshood Abiola Stadium FIFA Goal Project Pitch, where Team Lagos delivered a commanding 3–1 victory over Plateau State to cement their place in the next round. The encounter, scheduled for 50 minutes, extended due to several stoppages caused largely by the intense weather conditions.
Lagos wasted no time asserting dominance, with jersey number 11, Ahize Daniel, scoring one of the fastest goals of the competition just 29 seconds into the match. He later doubled his tally in the 37th minute, while teammate Williams Monday, wearing jersey number 10, added a goal in the 17th minute to put Lagos firmly in control.
Plateau responded with determination after the break, following a tactical halftime talk. Their efforts paid off when Abdullahi Muhammad, despite already being cautioned, pulled one back in added time in the 58th minute. His effort, however, came at a cost as he sustained a minor injury in the process.
At the heart of Lagos’ impressive run is captain Nwakpa Nnanna, a seasoned and inspirational figure whose leadership continues to shape the team’s success. An outstanding footballer, Nnanna transitioned into amputee football following an accident and has since built an outstanding career. He is not only a gold medalist from previous edition of the Para Games but also an experienced international athlete who has represented Nigeria at top competitions across Africa. His composure, experience, and tactical awareness have been instrumental in guiding Lagos through two consecutive wins in the group stage, positioning them as strong contenders for the title.
With the amputee football finals scheduled for April 1, attention will be on Nnanna and his squad as they aim to convert their strong form into championship glory. The team is coached by Gbenga Dosunmu, who also serves as coach of the national amputee team, bringing valuable expertise and structure to the side.
Elsewhere, more sports commenced action at the National Stadium. Package A hosted events such as para athletics, para cycling, para karate, and para taekwondo, while Package B saw continued and upcoming activities in wheelchair tennis and para badminton. Some events, including para table tennis, para swimming, and para shooting, are expected to conclude in the coming days.
Officials maintained high standards throughout the matches, with experienced referees ensuring fair play and smooth coordination across events.
As the Games progress, participation and performance levels continue to reflect the growth of para sports in Nigeria, with athletes demonstrating resilience, skill, and determination on every stage.
Day 3 didn’t disappoint.
