Despite a record-breaking performance at the inaugural West Africa Zone A and B Para Games, Nigerian para-athletes are expressing deep frustration. Specifically, they are protesting significant delays in the payment of their competition and transport allowances.
The regional multi-sport event took place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in late 2025. During the games, Team Nigeria emerged as the dominant force. However, more than a month has passed since the closing ceremony, and many of the 190 participating athletes claim they are still waiting for their promised financial compensation.
A Historic Victory Overshadowed by Debt
Nigeria fielded a massive contingent during the games, which featured over 400 athletes from 10 different nations. Consequently, Team Nigeria finished at the top of the standings with a staggering haul of 129 medals.
The final standings were as follows:
- Team Nigeria: The host nation dominated the field with 59 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze medals, totaling 129.
- Benin Republic: This team finished in second place with 4 gold, 4 silver, and 14 bronze medals.
- Ghana: Rounding out the top three, Ghana claimed 3 gold, 15 silver, and 21 bronze medals.
Athletes Allege a Lack of Transparency
Several athletes, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described a breakdown in communication. They noted that the sports federations and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) failed to coordinate effectively.
One athlete revealed that there were no prior negotiations regarding the allowance amounts. “Nothing was said about allowances,” the athlete stated. Furthermore, they added that a promised pre-tournament camp never took place. While some individuals received a N50,000 transport stipend, many others claim they were skipped entirely.
“How do we even keep body and soul together to prepare for 2026?” another athlete lamented. They also highlighted the lack of dedicated, high-quality training facilities for para-sports in the country.
The 2026 Sports Budget and Future Needs
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has outlined significant spending in the 2026 budget to support disabled sports. However, athletes remain skeptical about whether these funds will reach them directly.
The proposed spending includes:
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Special Programmes: N1.28 billion is earmarked for disabled athlete programs and the third Para Games.
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Equipment Procurement: N1.175 billion is allocated for specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs and crutches.
In response to these figures, athletes have called for a “purpose-built games village.” They argue that current makeshift training facilities are insufficient for sustaining high-level performance as they look toward international competitions.
Official Response: Payments Promised “Unfailingly”
Sunday Odebode, President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, has moved to calm the situation. He assured the athletes that payments would commence by next week. Additionally, he confirmed that even those who were in camp but did not compete, such as the para-swimming team, would receive their dues.
“This week, unfailingly, they will start getting their money,” Odebode stated. Consequently, the committee is now shifting its focus toward a busy 2026 season. Preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics are set to begin in February.
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