By; Sunny Canto
Astonishingly, the National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honorable Bukola Olapada, recently planned to sanction the States who were unavoidably absent and didn't participate at the 3rd edition of National Para Games.
According to reliable sources, they will be excluded from Para sporting activities at the forthcoming National Sports Festival billed to hold in Enugu State this year.
In a decisive move aimed at restoring discipline and credibility, the Commission invoked Article 13(V) of the Games’ regulations, effectively slamming the door on contingents that registered athletes but failed to show up.
The message is clear, hard and decisive, participation is not optional, and excuses will no longer be tolerated.
While speaking, the Director General of (NSC) honorable Bukola Olopade did not mince words as he defended the Commission’s tough stance, insisting that Nigerian sports can only progress through structure and accountability.
“We must be deliberate about building a system that rewards commitment and respects structure,” Olopade declared.
“The rules guiding the National Para Games are clear, and we have a responsibility to uphold them without compromise.”
The enforcement signals a shift from leniency to zero tolerance, with the NSC determined to protect the integrity of a competition that has long served as a pipeline for Nigeria’s global para sports success.
For years, the country has punched above its weight on the international stage, particularly at the Paralympics, and officials now fear that administrative lapses at home could erode that legacy.
By wielding the big stick, the Commission is sending a strong warning to states that treat National competitions with casual disregard, while also safeguarding opportunities for dedicated athletes who rely on these platforms to shine.
Despite the shocking absence of 12 States at the just concluded Para Games in Abuja, the action and thrills recorded in all the events featured is indelible.
Enugu State dominated proceedings, storming to the top of the medals table with an emphatic haul of 55 medals:
★ 40 gold
★ 8 silver
★ 7 bronze, underscoring their supremacy at the Games.
Bayelsa followed as first runners-up with a balanced tally of:
★ 25 gold
★ 30 silver
★ 34 bronze
While Edo State settled for third place with:
★ 25 gold
★ 14 silver
★ 12 bronze
In summary, beyond the medals and celebrations, the bigger story now lies off the tracks and court, where enforcement, not performance, could define the future of Nigeria’s para sports. And there's indeed ability in disabilities.
