We’re battle ready for Paralympics – Team Nigeria head coach
Team Nigeria’s Head Coach to the 2024 Paralympics, Nasiru Sule has declared that the team is ready for the Games which begins today in Paris. The 35-member squad, comprising 23 athletes, seven coaches, and five medical personnel arrived in Paris last week Thursday after completing a training camp in Germany. The Paralympic Committee of Nigeria […]
Lauritta Onye of Nigeria poses after breaking the world record in the Womens Shotput Final at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Team Nigeria’s Head Coach to the 2024 Paralympics, Nasiru Sule has declared that the team is ready for the Games which begins today in Paris.
The 35-member squad, comprising 23 athletes, seven coaches, and five medical personnel arrived in Paris last week Thursday after completing a training camp in Germany.
The Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) had also announced that Lauritta Onye will serve as the Flag Bearer, while Folashade Olufemi-Ayo has been named Team Captain.
Nasiru Sule who confirmed that the team is in high spirits further said they are ready to compete.
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“The team was camped in Germany for two weeks ahead of the games. The atmosphere is calm and conducive, with all the athletes ready to explode and compete at the games,” Sule said.
Sule, a bronze medalist in table tennis from the Atlanta Paralympic Games, also expressed confidence in the athletes’ preparation and motivation.
“We are in high spirits and battle-ready to go. The training has been going well as planned.
“I also want to thank the Paralympic Committee Nigeria leadership for their focus and planning toward the camping exercise and I am optimistic that we are coming home with medals.
“Though I can not say precisely how many or which colour, but with the determination of the athletes in camp, the future is bright for us,” he said.
Nigeria first participated in the Paralympic Games at the 1992 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona, winning three gold medals. Since then, Nigeria has consistently competed, amassing a total of 80 medals, including 40 gold, 19 silver, and 21 bronze, and currently ranks 37th globally.
The nation achieved notable success in the 2000 Sydney Games with seven golds, and in Rio 2016, where Nigeria secured its highest gold medal count with eight.
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Nigeria continued its strong performance, earning four gold, one silver, and five bronze medals.
Nigeria will be participating in Athletics, Badminton, Powerlifting and Table Tennis.