Ejidike lauds Team Nigeria over Rio Paralympics feat

Lauritta Onye, one the gold medallists at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, has applauded the exploits of Team Nigeria at the just-ended Rio 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.

Nigeria, it will be recalled, finished 17th on the medals table with eight gold, two silver and two bronze medals and the best among countries from Africa at the Games.

Ejidike, who is also the President, Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), noted that Nigeria is blessed with abundance of talents that only need proper motivation and the platform to excel.

“Our outing at the Rio Olympics was disastrous coming from a nation like Nigeria which is blessed with a lot of talents, but succour came in through our special athletes who won eight gold medals for the country at the Paralympic Games.

“This feat portends that with proper planning, Nigeria will attain greater heights in the world of sports,” Ejidike said.

While praising the Paralympians for their exploits in Rio, Ejidike urged the Federal Government to reward them adequately as motivation and encouragement to all.

“These special athletes should be celebrated by all Nigerians because they have made us proud and restored Nigeria’s enviable position in the global sports scene,” he said.

Ejidike, also appealed to the Federal Ministry of Sports to initiate appraisal committee that will review the nation’s performances at the Rio 2016 Olympics and suggest feasible policies that would enhance the country’s performances at Tokyo 2020 Olympics and subsequent major championships.