Team Nigeria wrapped up the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games with a series of outstanding performances, led by captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, whose record-breaking feats in Para-Powerlifting not only secured Nigeria’s second gold medal but also cemented her status as a Paralympic legend. The Nigerian team’s overall tally of two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals served as a beacon of hope and pride for the nation, marking a successful campaign that countered recent disappointments in other international sporting events.
Folashade’s performance on the last day of the Games was nothing short of spectacular, lifting Nigeria’s spirits and medal count. As the world record holder in the +86kg Para-Powerlifting category, the 39-year-old was determined not to leave Paris without improving her record and securing the precious gold medal. Her journey to the top began with a flawless first lift of 157kg, which set the tone for the competition and established an early lead over her closest rivals, China’s Xuemei Deng and Egypt’s Nadia Ali, who lifted 150kg and 141kg, respectively, in their opening attempts.
With her second attempt, Folashade lifted 162kg, equaling the Paralympic Games record set by her compatriot a few years ago. Deng and Ali responded with lifts of 153kg and 145kg, respectively, but it was clear that Folashade was in a class of her own. Not satisfied with merely equaling the record, she pushed herself further, breaking her own world record of 165kg with subsequent lifts of 166kg and 167kg. These outstanding performances not only set new Paralympic and world records but also demonstrated Folashade’s exceptional strength and determination on the grandest stage.
China’s Deng, unable to match Folashade’s incredible feat, settled comfortably for the silver medal with a final lift of 155kg, while Egypt’s Ali, who failed in her last attempt at 154kg, claimed the bronze with her second lift of 145kg. Speaking after the competition, Folashade expressed her joy and pride at being able to deliver such a performance for her country, adding that breaking records was a personal goal she had set for herself heading into Paris.
Her achievements were widely celebrated back home and among the international Paralympic community. Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, lauded her efforts, describing her gold medal win as “an incredible performance” that underscored her skill, determination, and leadership as Team Nigeria’s captain. “Folashade not only set a Paralympic record by lifting 167kg, but she also set an elite world record,” he remarked. “As Team Captain, she has demonstrated great skill, determination, and an excellent spirit. Let’s come together to congratulate and celebrate our champion for bringing pride to herself and our great nation, Nigeria.”
With a silver medal from the London 2012 Paralympic Games and a previous Paralympic gold, she is now a two-time Paralympic champion. Her dominance in the +86kg category has made her a trailblazer in the sport, inspiring countless others with her achievements. The 2024 Games were a clear display of her ability to perform under pressure, break records, and elevate the spirit of her team when it mattered most.

While Folashade’s achievements were a highlight of Nigeria’s outing, other athletes also delivered notable performances. Onyinyechi Mark made history in the Para-Powerlifting 61kg category by winning gold and breaking her own world record with a remarkable lift of 147kg. Her victory came earlier in the competition, providing a strong start for Nigeria’s medal campaign. Mark’s success underscored the depth of talent in Nigeria’s powerlifting contingent and set the stage for the team’s overall success at the Games.
Flora Ugwunwa added to Nigeria’s medal tally with a silver in the Women’s Javelin F54 event, marking Nigeria’s first medal in Para-Athletics at the 2024 Games. The 40-year-old Ugwunwa, known for her consistency and skill, has now won three consecutive Paralympic medals, a remarkable achievement that highlights her enduring talent and determination. Ugwunwa’s performance exemplified the perseverance of Nigerian athletes, serving as a source of inspiration for the entire team.
Esther Nworgu also shone brightly in the Women’s up to 41kg Para-Powerlifting event, where she won silver and set two new Paralympic records. Nworgu’s impressive display of strength and precision further solidified Nigeria’s reputation as a powerhouse in powerlifting, a sport in which the country has consistently excelled on the global stage.
In Para-Table Tennis, Isau Ogunkunle secured a bronze medal, showcasing his skill and tenacity against some of the world’s best players. His performance was a highlight in a sport where Nigeria has steadily been making progress, and his bronze added valuable points to Nigeria’s overall standing at the Games.
A historic moment also came in Badminton, where Eniola Bolaji made history as the first African to win a medal in Badminton at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games. Bolaji defeated her Ukrainian opponent in straight sets, securing a place in the record books and further demonstrating the expanding talent of Nigerian athletes across diverse sports. Her achievement was particularly significant, as it marked a breakthrough for African athletes in a sport traditionally dominated by other continents.
These medal-winning performances provided a much-needed boost for Nigeria, following recent disappointments in the Olympic Games and the World U-20 Athletics Championships in Lima. The resilience and determination displayed by the athletes in Paris not only brought joy to Nigerians but also highlighted the potential of the country’s Paralympic athletes to excel on the world stage. The Games served as a reminder of the importance of supporting and investing in these athletes, whose hard work and dedication continue to bring glory to Nigeria.
SOURCES
- https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/732489-paralympics-2024-nigerias-folashade-oluwafemiayo-wins-gold-on-final-day.html
- https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/09/09/oluwafemiayo-caps-team-nigerias-outing-in-paris-with-gold-and-new-world-record/