AAG: Para-athletes to redeem Nigeria’s poor showing – Coach

“The country’s hope of winning more medals now lies with the Para-athletes and we are determined to redeem the country’s image at the Games,’’ Folarinwa said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria as at Thursday placed ninth on the Games medals table with one gold, two silver and five bronze. The gold […]

“The country’s hope of winning more medals now lies with the Para-athletes and we are determined to redeem the country’s image at the Games,’’ Folarinwa said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria as at Thursday placed ninth on the Games medals table with one gold, two silver and five bronze.

The gold medal was won in badminton, while karate produced one silver and two bronze medals and boxing produced a silver medal.

Nigeria for the first time won one bronze medal in canoeing and recorded a bronze medal in swimming.

The Para-athletics coach lamented that in spite of the fact that medal potential abound in the sport, the government had not given them the necessary attention and exposure to international tournaments.

He advised the government to provide necessary equipment and kits for para-athletes well ahead of competitions to enable them to perform optimally.

According to him, the athletes also need to be well motivated and the capacity of the coaches and officials developed to enhance results at competitions.

“Our events will start on Sunday(today) and we are confident that the athletes will perform well. The spirit is high in camp and we believe God to give us victory,’’ Folarinwa said.

The coach said that the team, comprising 34 Para-athletes, would compete in track and field. (NAN)