Team Nigeria’s amputee football team opened the inaugural West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with a resounding victory against their counterparts from the Benin Republic to signal a bright start for the host country.
The amputee football match between Nigeria and the Benin Republic was a key highlight of the opening ceremony at MKO Abiola Stadium held on Friday.
Team Nigeria was the cynosure of all eyes as they dominated the game from start to finish, walloping their opponents 11–0 to send a strong message to the rest of the competition.
Striker Usman Ahmed Tijani scored four goals, while Michael Akachi and Daniel Tochukwu each netted a hat trick to contribute to the emphatic scoreline. Ibrahim Ndako also found the back of the net to complete the rout.
Earlier, all participating countries took part in a march-past, and fans were treated to an exciting cultural display as Ogun State entered the history books as the first-ever host of the West Africa Para Games.
President of the Africa Paralympic Committee Samson Deen, who officially declared the Games open, thanked the Nigerian government and the Ogun State government for hosting the historic maiden edition.
“Nigeria has once again shown its big brother status, and the entire West African region is very grateful because this will mark the beginning of stronger cohesion, solidarity, and development of African para sports,” he said.
President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Sunday Odebode, in his welcome address, also expressed appreciation for the passionate commitment of the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, noting that their support made Nigeria’s hosting of the Games possible.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who witnessed the Nigeria–Benin Republic match, said that agreeing to host the Games was an easy decision for the Commission, given Nigeria’s longstanding success in para sports.
“We all can see that hosting these Games has given renewed hope and assurance to people living with disabilities, and personally, I cannot be tired of associating with them because they symbolize resilience and determination,” he said.