By Eyere Ekuta
At the just concluded 3rd Para Games held in Abuja, Team FCT delivered a commendable performance, finishing with two silver and four bronze medals.
One of the standout moments came from the women’s sitting volleyball team, whose impressive run to the finals secured a silver medal for the capital territory.
Speaking after the final, Head Coach Christian Agoawuike reflected on the journey of building the team, shedding light on both the technical and human dimensions of para-sports development in Nigeria.
“My name is Coach Chris Agoawuike. I am the head coach of Team FCT Para-volleyball,” he began, explaining that the team is carefully assembled through a deliberate scouting process.
According to him, a significant number of athletes are recruited from wounded soldiers associated with Invictus Team Nigeria, where he also serves as Technical Coordinator. Others are sourced from various communities and disability groups.
Coach Agoawuike emphasized that beyond competition, para-sports serve a broader purpose. He noted that bringing these athletes together is not just about preparing for championships, but also about “encouraging and motivating our athletes and speaking for inclusion for persons with disabilities.”
The coach highlighted the diverse backgrounds of his players, explaining that while some were born with disabilities, others acquired theirs later in life, through accidents or in the line of duty.
This diversity, he said, requires a unique coaching approach rooted in empathy and psychological awareness.
“Working with them, you need to have passion… you need patience,” he explained.
He added that athletes who acquired disabilities later often face deeper emotional struggles, having experienced life as able-bodied individuals.
This, he noted, makes psychological support just as important as physical training.
Beyond competition, many athletes use sports as a tool for rehabilitation, socialization, and self-worth.
As the coach explained, some are not driven by medals but by the joy of participation and visibility. For them, wearing a jersey and being cheered on represents dignity and belonging in a society where they often face exclusion.
However, Coach Agoawuike expressed concern about the lack of sustained support after competitions. He pointed out that many athletes return to difficult living conditions once events conclude, stressing that their lives “should never remain the same again” after representing their states at national events.
He called on state governments and relevant bodies to adopt structured welfare systems, including monthly allowances or salaries for para-athletes.
According to him, a few states like Delta, Bayelsa and Lagos have already begun implementing such initiatives, providing a model for others to follow.
The coach further illustrated the financial burdens faced by athletes, particularly transportation challenges. He recounted cases where athletes spend as much as ₦30,000 on a single training session commute due to accessibility issues, emphasizing that such costs are unsustainable without institutional support.
In his appeal, Coach Agorweke urged the federal and state governments, alongside NGOs and private organizations, to create sustainable empowerment pathways. He described sports as “a very good source of empowerment,” capable of transforming lives when properly supported.
“About inclusion, we know the law is there… but the society should look beyond the law,” he stated, referencing disability legislation enacted during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to him, policy alone is insufficient without a cultural shift driven by empathy, respect, and shared humanity.
The coach also highlighted systemic gaps in stakeholder collaboration. He emphasized that institutions such as the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and relevant presidential offices should be more actively involved in para-sport events.
According to him, stronger collaboration would lead to better planning, wider inclusion, and more impactful outcomes.
As Team FCT celebrates its success at the Para Games, the coach’s message resonates strongly, talent exists, resilience abounds, but without structured backing, the full potential of para-athletes may remain unrealized.
