Sports

Final Batch of Nigeria’s Paralympic Team Returns

Published

4 years ago

September 10, 2021

… As FG pledges more support for Paralympians

Joel Ajayi

The final batch of Nigeria’s Paralympics contingents to the just concluded Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games recieved heroic welcome, as the Athletes with their medals arrived Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport on Thursday in Abuja.

The team Nigeria that won a total of 10 medals; 4 Gold, 1 Silver and 5 Bronze, were given a befitting reception on their arrival.

While Speaking , Special Assistant on Sports to President Mohammadu Buhari, Daniel Amokachi, who represented the Minister of Youth and Sports development, commended the contingents for their good performance.

According to Amokachi, who was also an Olympic Gold Medalist said, its a great feeling because Nigerians are very happy with their success.

“Many factors affected them, from COVID-19 to acclimatization n and the rest, but they did not disappoint Nigerians, they did come out with medals as they used to do.

” Now that sports has been seen as business in the country, that is why the government has started athletes adoption campaign, to enable Nigerians support the athletes.”

He assured the athletes of Federal government and ministry of youth and Sports’s support, to help them prepare more for all the forthcoming competitions.

Also speaking, was Chef de mission to the Paralympics Games, Mr Peter Nelson, who said Nigeria learnt a lot of positives from the Games.

“Everything was in place from camp till our arrival here, we give glory to God.

” We realized that most countries take Paralympic serious, many Asian Athletes play for European country, they were all serious about it, this is telling us that we need to work harder before next Paralympics, but with the kind of Sports Minister we have, we are going to start what we call festival for young Paralympians that are willing to participate in the competition.”

In this year’s event, Nigeria paraded 22 athletes at the Games and a total of 10 medals were won, which placed them on 33rd on the overall medal table.

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

3 hours ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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