By Samuel Akpan
An emotional airport reception in Abuja on Tuesday formally welcomed gold medalist Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade, who dedicated her four Algeria Para Powerlifting Championship medals to philanthropist Kingsley Awodi, as Nigeria’s team celebrated a total sweep of the event.
Persecondnews reports that the team touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport with fans and sports officials welcoming them.
Overcome with emotion, Folashade proudly held up her medals in a heartfelt tribute to Awodi, a man revered by the entire squad as a guiding father figure.
“I won four gold medals and I am dedicating them to our father, Mr. Awodi Kingsley,” she proclaimed, her words resonating with the gathered crowd.
Beyond her personal achievements, Folashade was quick to celebrate the collective effort that saw every member of the Nigerian squad return with medals or record performances.
“We thank God for this journey. He has taken us to Algeria and we are back. What makes me very happy is the medal. We went there with our records and we also won medals.
“Nobody went to that place and came back empty-handed. That alone is a thing of joy for us,” the athlete remarked.
The West African nation’s continued excellence in the sport was on full display once again.
Long regarded as a powerhouse, Nigeria has consistently topped medal tables at the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games and possesses multiple world records across weight categories, with talents like Folashade playing pivotal roles.
Competing against representatives from over 18 African nations, the clean sweep underscored their superiority.
The Algeria outing carried added weight as a stepping stone to future glory.
“This tournament we just came back from is a qualifier for the Paralympic Games because without this championship, there’s no way we will qualify.
“It also serves as preparation for the Commonwealth Games, which I believe with your support, prayers, and by the grace of God, we will go and come back with gold medals,” Folashade explained.
Recognising the athletes’ hard work, philanthropist Kingsley Awodi presented them with cash incentives in US dollars to spur them on and revealed plans for bigger rewards at the next major event.
He pledged ₦2 million for each gold medalist, ₦1.5 million for silver medalists, and ₦1 million for bronze medalists at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
Attention now turns to the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland, and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Results from the recent championships will influence world rankings and qualification opportunities.
With her four gold medals, Folashade has virtually assured her participation in both landmark competitions.