Nigeria beats Benin Republic as maiden West Africa Para Games begins

Team Nigeria’s amputee football team set the ball rolling at the inaugural West Africa Para Games taking place in Abeokuta, the sporting capital of Ogun State.

The amputee football match between Nigeria and Benin Republic was one of the major highlights of the opening ceremony held at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

The Nigerian team dominated from start to finish, defeating 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. 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 a 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.

He said Nigeria had once again shown its big brother status, adding that the entire West African region was grateful as the Games would strengthen cohesion, solidarity, and the development of African para sports.

President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Sunday Odebode, in his welcome address, expressed appreciation for the commitment of the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade.

Meanwhile, Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who witnessed the Nigeria–Benin Republic match, said agreeing to host the Games was an easy decision given Nigeria’s longstanding success in para sports.