Nigeria's Paralympic Stars Lead Quest at Africa Championships

Nigeria's para powerlifting team is bringing some of its brightest stars to Algeria this week, ready to shine on the African stage while building momentum toward the 2028 Paralympic Games.

The 2026 African Open Championships kicked off today in Oran, Algeria, bringing together 152 athletes from 20 countries competing in para powerlifting. For these athletes, the competition means more than medals—it's a crucial step on the path to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, with every lift earning valuable ranking points.

Leading Nigeria's 13-athlete team is Folashade Oluwafemiayo, a multiple-time world champion and Paralympic gold medalist competing in the women's over 86kg category. She's joined by fellow Paralympic champions Mark Onyinyechi and Esther Oyema, creating a powerhouse lineup that reflects Nigeria's long-standing dominance in the sport.

The team also includes rising stars who've already made waves on the world stage. Rita Ferdinard stunned audiences at the Cairo 2025 World Championships by defeating China's Paralympic champion, showing that Nigeria's talent pool runs deep.

Nigeria isn't the only country bringing serious talent to Oran. Host nation Algeria leads with 27 athletes, including two-time Paralympic bronze medalist Hocine Bettir. Egypt's squad features reigning Paralympic and world champions Mohamed Elmenyawy and Rehab Ahmed, while Iran's heavyweight lifters include Paralympic champions ready to dominate their divisions.

The Bright Side: Para powerlifting continues to grow across Africa and beyond, with more athletes competing at higher levels than ever before. This championship represents not just individual dreams, but the expansion of opportunities for athletes with disabilities across 20 nations. The sport's pathway to the Paralympics is creating more chances for athletes to train, compete, and represent their countries on the world stage.

The four-day competition at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex will feature three days of individual events before concluding with team competitions. For many athletes, this championship also serves as preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year.

With Nigeria traditionally finishing among the top medal-winning nations in para powerlifting, expectations are high that these champions will once again prove why their country remains a force in the sport.