Folashade Oluwafemiayo of Nigeria recently broke her World Record in the women’s over 86kg Para-Powerlifting category, becoming the first Para-athlete in history to lift 166kg.
It’s an improvement above her previous WR of 165kg. She also added a gold medal to her record.
Oluwafemiayo’s remarkable accomplishment brings Nigeria’s total number of medals at the Paralympics up to seven.
Her win follows the Super Eagles’ AFCON qualifier versus Benin Republic.
They won 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Amina Bello, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Flourish Sabastine, and substitute Joy Igbokwe scored goals against Venezuela in Cali on Saturday, advancing Nigeria to the Round of 16 in the 2017 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
In a parallel move, Flora Ugwunwa won a silver medal in the Women’s Javelin F54 category with a stunning throw of 19.26 meters, placing second in a highly tough field.
In the Women’s 79kg Para Powerlifting division, Bose Omolayo lifted an astounding 145kg to win the silver medal for Nigeria.
Isau Ogunkunle won the bronze medal in the Men’s Singles Class 4 Para Table Tennis competition. Ogunkunle is the first Nigerian athlete to win an individual medal in Para Table Tennis since the Sydney 2000 Games.
Reacting to their achievements earlier, Senator Enoh said, “We are immensely proud of our Team Nigeria Paralympic athletes. Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Isau Ogunkunle have brought us immense pride and joy with their incredible performances on the global stage. Their dedication, resilience, and passion embody the true spirit of Nigeria, and they continue to inspire millions with their remarkable achievements.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting para-sports and ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the backing they need to succeed on the international stage.
“Our champions have shown once again that disability is not a limitation. As a nation, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all athletes, regardless of ability, can thrive and make us proud on the global stage.”
