West Africa Para Games allowances remain unpaid as Nigerian para athletes express concern while preparing for 2026 Commonwealth Games and Paralympics

Nigerian para athletes who represented the country at the inaugural West Africa Zone A and B Para Games, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have expressed frustration over delays in receiving their competition and transport allowances.

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Nigeria hosted the first edition of the regional multi-sport event, fielding 190 athletes out of more than 400 participants from 10 West African countries.

Team Nigeria dominated the competition, claiming 59 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze medals.

Benin Republic and Ghana finished second and third, respectively.

More than a month after the event, some athletes are yet to receive allowances or transport reimbursements.

One athlete, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the arrangements were poorly communicated.

“There was no prior negotiation. They didn’t involve the federations. We were just taken to the RCCG camp as the competition base. Nothing was said about allowances. As we speak now, we are yet to be paid,” the athlete said.

Others confirmed that some received partial transport allowances of N50,000, while many still await full payment of their competition allowances.

The athletes also criticised the lack of proper training facilities, highlighting that the current stadium infrastructure is makeshift and inadequate for long-term preparation.

The National Sports Commission’s 2026 budget allocates N1.28 billion for programmes for disabled athletes, including preparation for the third Para Games, and N1.175 billion for equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches.

Athletes, however, argue that funding should go beyond statutory procurement and competitions to ensure adequate facilities and support.

Sunday Odebode, President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, reassured the athletes that their allowances would be paid by the end of the week.

“Some athletes, such as para-swimmers who were in camp but didn’t compete, will still receive their allowances. The priority now is preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles,” he said.

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The athletes’ concerns underline ongoing challenges in supporting para sports in Nigeria, even as the country achieves historic successes in regional competitions.