The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris continued Nigeria’s dismal record at the Olympics, as Team Nigeria failed to win a single medal. It marked the eighth time in Olympic history that Nigeria returned home empty-handed, adding to the disappointment of past performances in 1952, 1956, 1960, 1968, 1980, 1988, and 2012.

In stark contrast, Nigeria’s Paralympians—despite inadequate preparation and support—brought home two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals from the same Games, finishing 40th on the overall medal table. 

While this was their least successful outing since debuting in 1992, their performance still far outshone that of the able-bodied athletes, who failed to even come close to the podium.

Comparing Olympic and Paralympic Success

To truly understand the disparity between Nigeria’s Olympic and Paralympic teams, a look at their medal tallies is essential. In 18 Olympic appearances, Nigerian athletes have managed just 27 medals: three gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze. On the other hand, the Paralympians, in only nine appearances, have accumulated a staggering 80 medals, including 40 golds.

The Olympic team’s best performance came at the 1996 Atlanta Games, where they won two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.

In comparison, Nigeria’s Paralympians peaked at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games, where they returned with eight gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. Not only have the Paralympians been more consistent in delivering success, but they’ve also far outperformed their able-bodied counterparts in individual accomplishments. Chioma Ajunwa remains Nigeria’s only Olympic individual gold medalist, while the Paralympians have produced more than 23 individual gold medalists since 1992.

Unequal Resources, Unfair Results

One of the most glaring issues facing Nigeria’s Paralympic athletes is the disparity in resources allocated to them compared to the Olympic team. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Nigeria sent 88 athletes to compete in 12 events, backed by a massive N9 billion budget from the Federal Government. In contrast, the Paralympic team fielded only 24 athletes across four events, with a paltry N3 billion allocated for their preparations and participation.

Despite receiving less than half the funding of their Olympic counterparts, the Paralympians were the ones who ultimately saved Nigeria’s face on the international stage. This unequal distribution of resources only further highlights the need for better funding and preparation for the Paralympic team.

Improved Rewards, But Still Work to Be Done

There was a silver lining to the Olympic team’s failure in Paris. For once, the Paralympic athletes received handsome rewards for their efforts. According to Sunday Odebode, president of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), gold medalists Onyinyechi Mark and Folashade Oluwfemiayo were awarded $15,000 each, silver medalists Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Esther Nworgu received $10,000, while bronze medalists Isau Ogunkunle and Eniola Bolaji were paid $5,000.

In addition to the funds provided by the Ministry of Sports, the PCN also chipped in with extra rewards: $1,500 for gold, $1,000 for silver, and $500 for bronze medalists. This financial recognition was unprecedented for Nigeria’s Paralympians, thanks in part to the underperformance of the Olympic team, which left extra funds available for distribution.

However, not all Paralympic athletes were treated equally. Those who failed to win a medal in Paris received nothing from the Ministry of Sports, a harsh policy considering the immense effort and sacrifices made to compete at the Games. Instead, these athletes were consoled with a meager $100 payment from the PCN, while team officials—who do not directly compete—were given $1,000 each. This discrepancy in rewards is not only unfair but also demoralizing for athletes who have dedicated their lives to representing their country.

Time for a Change

The improved rewards for Paralympians in Paris are a positive step, but they should not be the exception. Nigerian Paralympic athletes have consistently outperformed their Olympic counterparts, and it’s time for the Federal Ministry of Sports to reflect this in their treatment of these athletes. Equal—or better—funding, preparation, and rewards should be the standard, not a rare occurrence.

Beyond financial rewards, Nigerian society and its sporting bodies must create an environment that allows physically challenged athletes to thrive. Their remarkable performances on the international stage should earn them not only financial rewards but also the respect and recognition they deserve. These athletes should not be treated as afterthoughts, especially when their able-bodied peers continue to underperform despite receiving more support.