Team Nigeria will not be able to participate in the inaugural Para All Africa Games in Ghana due to lack of funds.
The Paralympic Committee of Nigeria had prepared its athletes for wheelchair basketball, tennis, and amputee athletics, but the financial constraints prevented their participation.
The athletes had expressed their desire to compete in the Games and the newly appointed minister had promised to address the issue during his visit to the National Stadium in Surulere.
However, despite their readiness and preparation, the paucity of funds has led to Nigeria’s absence from the Games. It’s a disappointing situation for the para-athletes who were looking forward to showcasing their talent on an international platform.
“But as it is now, with a day to the opening ceremony of the Games scheduled for tomorrow, nothing is on the ground that indicates the country will participate. And the para-athletes are still in the country while other African countries have started arriving in Ghana for the Games, the source, who pleaded anonymity, said.
He added,”it was initially speculated that Nigeria will only participate in the tennis event made up of four players but now,the country will not even be in attendance”.
Some of the Para athletes who have trained and prepared for the Games have expressed sadness over this ugly development.
“We are not happy with this development. Having trained so hard to make the country proud at the Games, it is sad that our effort will now be in vain. But if it’s able-bodied athletes, the Federal Government will make money available.This is not fair at all”, said the athletes, who pleaded not to be mentioned.
