By Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s victorious para-powerlifting team received a heroic welcome on Wednesday night at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following their impressive performance at the 2026 African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Oran, Algeria.

The athletes returned home with an outstanding haul of 49 medals, comprising 32 gold, 12 silver, and five bronze medals, finishing second overall behind Egypt and once again affirming Nigeria’s dominance in para sports on the African continent.

The reception was led by renowned philanthropist and sports stakeholder, Kingsley Awodi, whose sustained support for sports development and para-athletes in Nigeria has continued to earn admiration across the sporting community.

Awodi, who previously facilitated the re-grassing of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, during the tenure of former Sports Minister Sunday Dare, has consistently invested in athletes’ welfare and sports growth initiatives in the country.

Earlier this year, he sponsored the Kingsley Awodi Para-Powerlifting Championship in Abuja, a competition that served as a major preparatory platform for the team ahead of the Algeria championship.

Welcoming the athletes, Awodi praised their resilience, discipline, courage, and determination in making the nation proud.

“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,” Awodi stated.

“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.”

He also emphasized the critical role of private sector participation in sports development, noting that government alone cannot adequately fund Nigerian sports.

“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 added.

As part of his continued support, Awodi announced cash rewards for the medal-winning athletes ahead of future international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and Paralympics.

According to him, each gold medalist will receive ₦1.5 million, silver medalists ₦1 million, while bronze medalists will go home with ₦500,000 each.

“This is not just about financial rewards, but about appreciating sacrifice, dedication, and the courage to represent Nigeria with pride,” he said.
Awodi further expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian para sports, insisting that more private support would help athletes achieve greater success globally.

“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 noted.

Technical Director of the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, Ruel Isiaku, also applauded Awodi’s intervention, describing it 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,” Isiaku said.

“These athletes are like soldiers. Anytime they are called upon, they are always ready to deliver despite the challenges. Their performances in Algeria have given us more confidence ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Paralympics.”

He added that increased sponsorship and support would further improve the welfare, preparation, and performance of para-athletes.

“If we have more supporters and sponsors like Kingsley Awodi, Nigerian para sports will rise to greater heights. Other countries may intimidate us with facilities and equipment, but our athletes continue to display strength, determination, and excellence,” he added.

One of the team’s standout performers, four-time gold medalist Oluwafemiayo Folashade, also praised Awodi for his unwavering support and commitment to the team.

“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.

Describing Awodi as a father figure to the athletes, Folashade expressed appreciation for his continuous encouragement and support.
“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 stated.

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 remarkable outing in Algeria has once again reinforced Nigeria’s status as a continental powerhouse in para-powerlifting while renewing calls for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector in supporting sports development across the country.

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