Nigerian Para Athletes Decry Delay in Allowances After Historic West Africa Games Win

Athletes who represented Nigeria at the inaugural West Africa Zone A and B Para Games in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have expressed frustration over the slow payment of their competition and transport allowances more than a month after the event concluded.

The games, held from late November to early December 2025, saw Team Nigeria dominate with a haul of 59 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze medals, but several athletes said they are still waiting to be fully compensated for their efforts.

According to some competitors, there was no clear agreement beforehand about allowances, and many are unsure when they will receive the funds they were promised. Some said only part of their transport allowance was paid, while competition allowances remain unsettled.

Officials, including the President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, have stated that the outstanding payments will start being disbursed this week as preparations ramp up for upcoming major events like the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Paralympics.