Sports: Enugu team emerges overall champions in 2026 Abuja para-games 

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

The Enugu State Para-Games team emerged overall champions at the 2026 Abuja Para-Games, clinching the coveted trophy at the competition held from 26th March to 3rd April 2026 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

The Enugu team delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with a total of 40 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals. 

This impressive tally placed them ahead of Bayelsa State, which came second with 25 gold, 30 silver, and 34 bronze medals, while Edo State secured third position with 25 gold, 14 silver, and 12 bronze medals. Rivers State finished fourth, while Lagos State came a distant fifth.

The competition was officially declared closed by Oluremi Tinubu, who commended the National Sports Commission, officials, and athletes for a hitch-free event. She noted that Para-Games athletes have consistently made Nigeria proud through their outstanding performances in international competitions, emphasizing that there is indeed “ability in disability.”

In the team events, the Enugu State men’s Para wheelchair basketball team defeated their Jigawa counterparts 10–0 in the final, while the women’s team also dominated, thrashing Jigawa 6–0 to secure victory in the female category.  Captain  Yetunde Adefala,  Teniola and Shade, were too hot for their opponents

In athletics,  

Enugu athletes dominated both track and field events, winning the majority of competitions. The state also recorded strong performances in para-shooting and para table tennis.

Speaking after the victory, the Director of Coaching, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Dennis Ani, described the triumph as both momentous and strategic, noting that it serves as a prelude to what is expected from the state at the forthcoming 2026 Coal City Games.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for providing the necessary funding and approving the state’s participation. He also appreciated the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, for his vibrancy and administrative sagacity, which contributed significantly to the team’s success.

One of the standout athletes, Miss Esther Edema, who won gold medals in the 100m and 200m events and a bronze medal in the long jump, expressed her joy at her achievements during the championship.

Similarly, Coach of the Enugu State Para Athletics team, Mr. Chukwuemeka Okafor, thanked God, the sports officials, and the athletes for making the state proud.