Enugu emerges champion as 3rd National Para Games concludes in Abuja

Enugu State has emerged the overall winner of the just concluded 3rd National Para Games on Friday in Abuja.

The State delivered an outstanding performance, securing 40 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals, bringing its total to 55 medals.

Bayelsa finished second with 25 gold, 30 silver and 34 bronze medals, recording the highest total medal count of 89.

Edo claimed third place with 25 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze medals, totalling 51.

Rivers placed fourth with 21 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals (59 total), while Lagos State finished fifth with 20 gold, 23 silver and 20 bronze medals, bringing its total to 63.

In sixth position, Abia recorded nine gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals (43 total), followed by Plateau in seventh place with eight gold, six silver and 14 bronze medals, totalling 28.

Osun came eighth with three gold, six silver and seven bronze medals (16 total), while Adamawa secured ninth place with three gold, three silver and two bronze medals, totalling eight.

Kwara completed the top 10 with two gold, seven silver and 11 bronze medals, totalling 20.

Other states on the medal table include Cross River (2 gold, 5 silver, 11 bronze - 18 total) and Ondo (2 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze - 13 total).

Katsina recorded 2 gold, 1 silver and 8 bronze medals (11 total), while Kano finished with 1 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze medals (11 total).

Niger recorded 1 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medal (5 total), while Bauchi secured 1 gold, 2 silver and 9 bronze medals (12 total).

Ekiti finished with 1 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals (8 total), and Benue recorded 1 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals (5 total).

Kaduna did not win any gold medal but secured 2 silver and 6 bronze medals (8 total).

The host, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), finished with 2 silver and 4 bronze medals, totalling 6.

Jigawa recorded 1 silver and 2 bronze medals (3 total), while Kogi and Zamfara each finished with 1 silver and 1 bronze medal (2 total apiece). Kebbi and Taraba recorded 1 bronze medal each.

Meanwhile, several states failed to win any medal at the Games. These include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Gombe, Imo, Nasarawa, Ogun, Oyo, Sokoto and Yobe.

The 2026 edition of the National Para Games showcased remarkable talent and determination from athletes across the federation, highlighting the growing development of para sports in Nigeria.

A total of 15 para sports were featured, including Para Athletics, Para Cycling, Para Karate, Para Taekwondo, Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton and Para Table Tennis.

Others include Amputee Football, Para Volleyball, Para Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Tennis, Para Shooting, Para Canoeing and Para Soccer.

The Games commenced on March 26 and ended on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.