Neglect, tokenism and empty cheers – Nigeria’s para sports still fighting for respect from some States

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye who was in Abuja for the Games 

  

 

The curtain fell on the third edition of the National Para Games in Abuja but beyond the medals, applause and podium finishes, a more troubling narrative has once again taken centre stage, neglect.

At the iconic MKO Abiola Stadium, Enugu State emerged champions, finishing ahead of Bayelsa and Edo after nine days of intense competition. 

A total of 25 states, including the FCT, showed up and delivered moments of inspiration across 15 para sports.

On the surface, it looked like progress.

Under the leadership of Dr. Mallam, Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olopade, the National Sports Commission (NSC), provided a solid platform, arguably one of the most structured in recent years for para athletes to compete, shine and be seen.

But peel back the layers, and the cracks are impossible to ignore. 12 States including heavyweights like Delta, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Anambra and Imo, did not even show up.

It's noteworthy to mention that some States that made it to Abuja, came with a depleted contingent and Organizers had to chop off a competition because of lack of enough competitors.

Not for lack of talent, not for lack of athletes but for reasons that point to a deeper, more systemic issue, indifference.

In a country where para athletes have consistently delivered on the global stage, the absence of these states is not just disappointing, it is a loud statement of misplaced priorities. 

It undermines the very essence of inclusivity in sports and sends a damaging message to athletes who already battle societal and structural barriers daily.

While the NSC pushes a renewed vision for the growth of para sports, some states appear stuck in a cycle of apathy, refusing to key into a movement that demands urgency and collective responsibility.

And if the absence of states is one side of the problem, the reward system is the other. It borders on insulting.

After over a year of grueling training, sacrifice and limited support, a gold medalist in a State walks away with just ₦200,000. Silver earns ₦50,000, while bronze attracts a paltry ₦20,000.

In an era where elite preparation requires funding, medical care, equipment and proper welfare, these figures do not just fall short, they trivialize excellence.

What message does that send That para athletes are an afterthought? That their achievements are worth less?

This is how sports die, not with a bang, but with quiet neglect. Nigeria is the strongest para sports country on the continent and State governments and sports councils should help maintain its stronghold on the sport.

Nigeria cannot continue to celebrate medals on one hand and suffocate the system on the other. 

Para sports are not charity, they are high-performance disciplines that demand investment, planning and respect.

The National Para Games should be a rallying point, not a reminder of failure.

Until State governments begin to match rhetoric with action, and until athletes are rewarded in a manner that reflects their sacrifice, the growth of para sports in Nigeria will remain stunted.

The athletes have done their part, the National Sports Commission (NSC), has put in their shift, but a good number of States governments are failing the athletes and the effort put in to get the system working again.