Abeokuta: Team Nigeria emerged the overall winner in the Para Powerlifting event at the ongoing 1st West Africa Para Games, securing 10 of the 15 medals contested in the category on Sunday.
The Paralifting game took place at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijebu-Igbo, Abeokuta.
According to the results released by the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, Mrs Olabisi Afolabi-Oluwayemisi, Nigeria secured four gold, four silver and two bronze medals.
Côte d’Ivoire followed with one gold, while Ghana won one silver and two bronze medals. Benin Republic finished with a bronze medal.
A breakdown of Nigeria’s gold medal haul shows that Ibrahim Dauda claimed gold in the men’s 59kg category, while Kayode Blessing won the men’s 65kg event.
In the women’s events, Esther Oyema clinched gold in the lightweight category, and Mark Onyinyechi won gold in the heavyweight division.
The result also showed that Côte d’Ivoire’s Ado Adouherve secured gold in the men’s heavyweight category.
Speaking on the team’s performance, one of Nigeria’s para powerlifting coaches, Ijeoma Eherogbe, expressed excitement over team Nigeria’s victory, noting that the competition began on Friday and was concluded on Sunday.
“I am so excited that Nigeria came first despite all odds. We achieved this through hard work and commitment. It has not been easy, but God did it,” she said.
