Nigerian Heroes of the London 2012 Summer Paralympics

Gold medallist Esther Oyema of Nigeria kisses her medal
Esther Oyema of Nigeria kisses her gold medal during the Victory Ceremony for the women's - 48 kg Powerlifting at ExCeL.

Yakubu Adesokan of Nigeria celebrates winning gold
Yakubu Adesokan of Nigeria shows off his gold medal after setting a new world record during the men's -48kg Powerlifting on Day 1 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at ExCeL.

Loveline Obiji of Nigeria takes the applause.

TALK OF THE TOWN is proud of all the Nigerian heroes and heroines of the London 2012 Summer Paralympics.

The team broke four world records through Yakubu Adesokan, Esther Oyema, Joy Onaolapo and Folashade Oluwafemiayo, although she won silver in the women's -75kg category as her world record came in a fourth lift and thus was out of competition.
Grace Anozie won gold in the women's +82.5kg and said: 'I'm expecting the President of Nigeria to welcome us all the way from the airport.
'The whole team has been through stress and hell. They asked us to deliver and we have.'

Nigeria coach Mike Ajiboye added: 'Our team are determined and focussed and, when they want to do something, they do it with their minds.
'That is why we have been able to get so much from the Powerlifting at these Games. It is all down to determination and focus.'
It is all down to determination and focus.'
~ Mike Ajiboye

Source: London 2012 Summer Paralympics.

Highlights

Nigeria made their Paralympic Games debut in 1992 in Barcelona with a team of six men who competed in athletics, powerlifting and table tennis. Adeoye AJIBOLA won two gold medals in sprint, while Monday EMOGHAWVE won one gold in powerlifting in 1992. Overall, Nigeria have won 22 gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze medals. In 2000, Edith NZURUIKE became one of Nigeria's first female Paralympic champions, winning gold in the javelin. The same year, EMOGHAWVE took his third consecutive gold in powerlifting, while three female powerlifters (Iyabo ISMAILA, Victoria NNEJI and Patricia OKAFOR) also won a gold medal each. In table tennis, Tajudeen AGUNBIADE won gold in the men's singles, while the trio of AGUNBIADE, Tunde ADISA and Femi ALABI took gold in the team event. In 2004, Adekundo ADESOJI was a triple champion in sprinting; Silver EZEIKPE won gold in the men's javelin; and Lucy EJIKE took gold in powerlifting. In 2008, Eucharia Njideka IYIAZI was Paralympic champion in both shot put and discus, while Ejike and Ruel ISHAKU each won a gold medal in powerlifting.

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