Nigeria’s amputee football team delivered a stunning statement on Friday as the inaugural West Africa Para Games got underway in Abeokuta, thrashing neighbours Benin Republic 11-0 in front of an excited crowd at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
The match, one of the highlights of the colourful opening ceremony, saw Usman Ahmed Tijani bag four goals, while Michael Akachi and Daniel Tochukwu each scored hat-tricks. Ibrahim Ndako completed the rout.
Earlier, contingents from participating countries thrilled spectators with a march-past and rich cultural displays, with Ogun State proudly entering the history books as the first-ever host of the regional Para Games.
President of the Africa Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen, who officially declared the Games open, praised Nigeria for stepping up.
“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,” Deen said.
Paralympic Committee of Nigeria President, Sunday Odebode, thanked the National Sports Commission (NSC) led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade for making the hosting possible.
Olopade, who watched the one-sided encounter, said the decision to host was easy given Nigeria’s proud tradition 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 symbolise resilience and determination,” he said.
The West Africa Para Games continue in Abeokuta until December 5.
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