By Eyere Ekuta
As the National Para Games in Abuja move closer to their conclusion, athletes are beginning to reap the rewards of their efforts, with medal presentations taking centre stage across venues at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Competitors who have completed their events are now proudly adorned with medals, creating a ripple effect of motivation for those still in action. The growing medal count across states is not only a reflection of performance but also a signal to other athletes to raise their level in pursuit of podium finishes.
Among the standout performers is Samson Ukpera of Bayelsa State, who continues to dominate para taekwondo. He secured his third consecutive gold medal in the poomsae and kyorugi events, having previously competed in the K44 -63kg category and now emerging champion in the K44 -70kg division. An African champion with international appearances in Rwanda and Morocco, Ukpera’s consistency highlights the growing opportunities within para sports, where excellence can translate into recognition and career advancement.
In amputee football, the much-anticipated final delivered a compelling narrative as Lagos State defeated Kano State to clinch gold. The rivalry between both sides added intensity to the encounter, especially considering Kano’s triumph in the previous edition. Central to Lagos’ victory was captain Nwakpa Nnanna, who notably represented Kano in the last Games and played a key role in their title-winning campaign. His switch to Lagos this year proved decisive, as he once again influenced a gold medal finish, this time for a different team.
Para athletics also provided thrilling competition, with events structured across multiple classifications based on athletes’ impairments. Field events such as adapted shot put featured categories like F40 and F41 for athletes of short stature, F57 for seated throwers, and F64 for athletes with limb impairments competing standing. These classifications ensured fair competition while showcasing the depth of talent and diversity within para sports.
Para volleyball officially commenced following the conclusion of para table tennis at the same venue, with state teams representing Kaduna, Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory participating. However, Bauchi State forfeited their opening match due to incomplete registration requirements, highlighting the importance of administrative readiness in the competition.
Several events have now concluded, including para powerlifting, para karate, and para cycling, while others such as para soccer, wheelchair tennis, para volleyball, and para athletics remain ongoing, with key finals expected in the coming days.
Beyond elite performances, the Games have continued to fulfill one of their core objectives, encouraging increased participation. A notable rise in first-time athletes has been recorded, alongside the presence of established stars, reflecting both growth and sustainability in Nigeria’s para sports ecosystem.
With the closing ceremony scheduled for April 3, 2026, at the Velodrome in Abuja, the final days promise intense competition as states push to secure as many medals as possible and finish strong in the overall standings.
