Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo has made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, breaking her own World Record in the women’s over 86kg Para-Powerlifting category by becoming the first para-athlete to lift a staggering 166kg.
Oluwafemiayo, the captain of Team Nigeria, once again set the bar higher in the sport, with her 167kg lift earning her the gold medal.
Her remarkable feat left China’s Deng Xuemei, who lifted 155kg to claim silver, and Egypt’s Nadia Ali, who took bronze with a 145kg lift, trailing behind.
This extraordinary achievement comes at a time when Nigerian sports are basking in multiple successes.
Following Oluwafemiayo’s triumph, the Super Eagles defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in their AFCON qualifier match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, while Nigeria’s U20 Women’s Football team advanced to the Round of 16 in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
In another impressive feat, Flora Ugwunwa secured a silver medal in the Women’s Javelin F54 category with a throw of 19.26 meters.
Bose Omolayo, competing in the Women’s 79kg Para-Powerlifting category, added to Nigeria’s medal haul with a silver after lifting 145kg.
Nigeria’s Isau Ogunkunle also made history by winning bronze in the Men’s Singles Class 4 Para Table Tennis event, becoming the first Nigerian athlete to clinch an individual medal in Para Table Tennis since the Sydney 2000 Games.
Reacting to the string of achievements, the Minister of Sports, Senator Enoh, expressed pride in the country’s Paralympic athletes.
“We are immensely proud of our Team Nigeria Paralympic athletes.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Isau Ogunkunle have brought us immense pride and joy with their incredible performances on the global stage.
Their dedication, resilience, and passion embody the true spirit of Nigeria, and they continue to inspire millions with their remarkable achievements,” Enoh said.
He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting para-sports, stating, “Our champions have shown once again that disability is not a limitation.
As a nation, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all athletes, regardless of ability, can thrive and make us proud on the global stage.”
