Ekiti Para Team Set for National Para Games in Abuja

Ekiti’s para-athletes will look to build on their recent medal-winning performances at the National Sports Festival and National Youth Games when they compete at the 2026 National Para Games in Abuja.

The state contingent is scheduled to depart Thursday for the competition, with 39 athletes set to represent Ekiti across six sports — para soccer, para athletics, para powerlifting, para karate, wheelchair basketball and para swimming.

The Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports Development, Olusola Osetoba, said Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has approved funding to support the team’s participation at the Games.

Osetoba said the backing is part of the state’s efforts to sustain development in disability sports, adding that athletes and officials have been urged to maintain discipline and aim for strong performances.

Head coach Ojo Peter said the team has completed its preparations and is ready for the competition.

He noted that the athletes are in good condition ahead of the Games and expressed confidence in their ability to compete.

Ekiti heads into the tournament on the back of encouraging results at recent national events. The state won medals, including gold, at the 2024 National Sports Festival held in 2025 in Ogun State.

The athletes also recorded podium finishes at the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, performances that have set expectations ahead of the Abuja competition.

The National Para Games will feature contingents from across the country competing in multiple sports, with events scheduled to take place in Abuja.

Ekiti’s participation is part of a wider field of states aiming to compete for honours in their respective events at the tournament.

Stay connected to Sportive for prompt update on National Para Games and Ekiti team updates.