End of an Era: ‘First Lady of Afrobasket,’ Ogoke, bows out at 35

such as powerlifting, underscores the importance of sustaining this momentum. The festival plays a central role in this regard by providing a structured environment for talent identification, systematic training and exposure to competitive pressure. As such, the Abuja 2026 edition is more than a national sporting event; it is a vital component of Nigeria’s international […]

such as powerlifting, underscores the importance of sustaining this momentum. The festival plays a central role in this regard by providing a structured environment for talent identification, systematic training and exposure to competitive pressure.

As such, the Abuja 2026 edition is more than a national sporting event; it is a vital component of Nigeria’s international sporting ambitions. It strengthens the pipeline that feeds into global competitions governed by the International Paralympic Committee and ensures that the country remains competitive on the world stage.

 

Para-Soccer will be centre of attraction- Misbahu Lawan Didi 

Meanwhile, the founder of para-soccer, Alhaji Misbahu Laan Didi, has expressed profound happiness that the sport has become an integral part of the Games.

Speaking to Weekend Trust Sports, the polio survivor who founded para-soccer in 1998 along with six other friends in Lagos, also thanked the National Sports Commission (NSC) for including the sport in the events for the 3rd National Para-sports Festival.

He commended the states that have agreed to send their players to come and participate in the competition.

“As the founder and former president of Para-soccer Federation, I am overwhelmed with joy that the NSC is taking inclusivity seriously.

“Competitions like this will support the spread of para-soccer in Nigeria and beyond. Already the game is played in at least six other African countries.

“My dream is for para-soccer to have an African championship just as the able-bodied players have the AFCON and WAFCON,” said Didi.

Furthermore, he noted that para-soccer is the only indigenous sport that will be featured at the Games, adding that it will be the centre of attraction.

Didi maintained that if the government and corporate organisations paid premium attention to para-soccer, the sport has the potential to become a Paralympic event.

 “Para-soccer is not as expensive as other sports. While it costs almost nothing to acquire roller skates for the players, a sport like wheelchair tennis or basketball is quite expensive because of the high cost of the wheelchairs.

“We are trying to sustain para-soccer, but we need more support. It is unfortunate that after more than three decades, we do not have a permanent sponsor.

“So, we appreciate those who have been supportive, but we are still calling on others to join in promoting para-soccer. This sport is indigenous to us and must not be allowed to die,” he pleaded.