Despite an early medal drought and the recent exit of seven table tennis players, Sunday Odebode, the president of the Paralympics Committee Nigeria (PCN), remains optimistic about Team Nigeria’s performance at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Odebode expressed confidence that the team is poised for success in the coming days, particularly in athletics and powerlifting events.
While some Nigerian athletes faced early exits from the competition, there is still hope for a strong finish, buoyed by a historic achievement in para-badminton.
Odebode highlighted the significance of Eniola Bolaji’s bronze medal, marking the first-ever medal for Africa in the para-badminton event at the Paralympic Games. This milestone, according to Odebode, is a turning point for the Nigerian contingent.
“Bolaji’s bronze medal has opened the floodgates for Team Nigeria,” Odebode said. “With several athletes in various finals and the para-powerlifting events about to commence, I am optimistic that more medals will start rolling in from athletics and powerlifting.”
A Medal That Inspires
Eniola Bolaji’s bronze in the para-badminton event is not just a win for Nigeria but a triumph for the entire African continent. Her performance at the Paralympic Games has been widely celebrated, and her achievement is seen as a beacon of hope for other athletes representing Nigeria.
The para-badminton category, which made its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, has become a platform for emerging African athletes, and Bolaji’s success has set a new precedent.
As the only African para-badminton player to secure a medal at the Paralympics, Bolaji’s feat is expected to inspire other African para-athletes to reach new heights on the global stage.
Looking Ahead: Athletics and Powerlifting
Odebode remains upbeat about Nigeria’s chances in the upcoming events, particularly athletics and powerlifting, which have historically been strong areas for the country.
Nigerian athletes have consistently excelled in para-powerlifting at previous Paralympic Games, and hopes are high that the team will continue this legacy in Paris.
“Our para-powerlifting team has always delivered outstanding performances at the Paralympic Games, and I believe Paris 2024 will be no different,” Odebode stated. “We have strong contenders in several categories, and we expect them to bring home medals.”
In addition to powerlifting, Nigerian athletes are also competing in athletics events, where the nation has seen considerable success in the past.
Odebode pointed to the fact that several athletes have advanced to the finals in their respective categories, and he is optimistic that these athletes will secure podium finishes.
Remaining Hopeful Amid Challenges
While the early exit of most of Nigeria’s table tennis players has been disappointing, Odebode emphasized that the team’s journey is far from over.
He urged Nigerians to remain supportive of the athletes as they continue to compete in various events, expressing hope that the best is yet to come.
“Every Paralympic Games comes with its challenges, but our athletes are resilient, and they continue to give their best,” Odebode said. “We have faced setbacks before, but we have also achieved great things, and I believe this year will be no different.”
With the para-powerlifting events about to kick off and several Nigerian athletes still in contention in athletics, Team Nigeria remains hopeful that more medals will follow in the coming days of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
