Joel Ajayi
Fresh from a historic outing at the 2026 African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Algeria, Nigeria’s para-powerlifting team returned home to a heroes’ welcome at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, on Wednesday night in Abuja, after clinching an impressive 49 medals at the continental championship.
The Nigerian contingent delivered a remarkable performance in Oran, Algeria, winning 32 gold, 12 silver, and five bronze medals to finish second overall behind Egypt, further cementing Nigeria’s reputation as a dominant force in para sports across Africa.
Leading the reception for the victorious athletes was renowned philanthropist and sports stakeholder, Kingsley Awodi, whose continuous support for Nigerian sports has continued to impact athletes positively.
Awodi, who previously re-grassed the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, during the administration of former Sports Minister Sunday Dare, has consistently provided support for athletes and sports development initiatives in the country.
Earlier this year, he sponsored the Kingsley Awodi Para-Powerlifting Championship in Abuja, a competition that provided Nigeria’s para athletes with vital exposure and preparation ahead of the African championship in Algeria.
Welcoming the athletes, Awodi praised their resilience, determination, and patriotism.
“I am deeply honoured to welcome home our victorious Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Team from the 2026 African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Algeria. You have once again shown the world the strength, resilience, discipline, and fighting spirit Nigerians are known for,” he said.
“Your performances have brought pride, joy, and honour to our nation, and I celebrate every athlete, coach, and official who contributed to this remarkable success.”
Awodi also stressed the importance of private sector involvement in sports development, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of funding sports in Nigeria.
“While I sincerely appreciate the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their efforts in repositioning sports in Nigeria, government cannot do it alone. This is the time for the private sector to step in and actively support our athletes and sporting institutions,” he stated.
To further motivate the athletes ahead of future international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and Paralympics, Awodi announced cash rewards for all medalists.
According to him, every gold medalist will receive ₦1.5 million, silver medalists ₦1 million each, while bronze medalists will receive ₦500,000 each.
“This is not just about financial rewards, but about appreciating sacrifice, dedication, and the courage to represent Nigeria with pride,” he added.
Speaking on the team’s performance, Awodi expressed confidence in the future of Nigerian para sports.
“I am very proud of these athletes. They have sacrificed a lot and shown the true strength Nigerians are known for. If more private individuals and corporate organisations support sports, our athletes will do even better on the global stage,” he said.
On his own, the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, Technical Director Ruel Isiaku, also commended Awodi for his unwavering support, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
“For years we have always said that with the right support, Nigerian para-athletes can make the country proud. What we are seeing today is the result of that support,” he said.
“These athletes are like soldiers. Anytime they are called upon, they are ready to deliver despite challenges. Their performances in Algeria have given us more confidence ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Paralympics.”
He further noted that increased sponsorship would significantly improve the welfare and performance of para-athletes.
“If we have more sponsors and supporters like Kingsley Awodi, Nigerian para sports will reach even greater heights. Other countries may intimidate us with facilities and equipment, but our athletes continue to show strength, determination, and excellence,” he added.
One of the standout athletes at the championship, Oluwafemiayo Folashade, who won four gold medals, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to Awodi for his support.
“We are very happy with our performance in Algeria. We broke records and won many medals for Nigeria. Nobody returned home empty-handed,” she said.
Speaking about Awodi’s contribution, she described him as a father figure to the team.
“He has always been there for us whenever we need support. He carries us along and encourages us. We pray God continues to bless him. We love him and appreciate everything he has done for the team,” she said.
The atmosphere at the airport was filled with excitement as athletes proudly displayed their medals while posing for photographs with officials, supporters, and well-wishers.
The team’s success in Algeria has once again highlighted Nigeria’s dominance in para-powerlifting and reinforced calls for increased investment in sports development through stronger government and private sector collaboration.
