Nigeria’s Esther Nworgu has brought a wave of excitement to the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris by securing the country’s second medal. Nworgu claimed the Silver medal in the women’s up to 41kg Para-Powerlifting event, delivering a stunning performance that has captivated fans back home and reaffirmed Nigeria’s strength in the Paralympic community.
Just weeks after a lackluster performance by Team Nigeria at the Olympic Games, the nation’s Paralympic athletes have stepped up, restoring national pride with their remarkable achievements. Esther’s silver-medal victory is especially significant, as she broke two new Paralympic records in her final two attempts, lifting 112kg and an astonishing 118kg. Her outstanding effort, however, fell just short of China’s Zhe Cui, who set a new Paralympic record of 119kg to take the Gold.
Esther’s path to silver began with a solid 106kg lift, which initially placed her in second position behind Cui, who opened the competition with a 108kg lift. As the tension mounted in the second round, Nworgu elevated her performance, lifting 112kg. Cui, however, maintained her lead by lifting 113kg. In a dramatic final round, Nworgu delivered her best lift at 118kg, securing the silver medal. Brazil’s Lara de Lima, with a 109kg lift, took the bronze.
Nworgu’s exceptional showing has been hailed as a triumph of perseverance and talent, further highlighting Nigeria’s dominance in the Para-Powerlifting discipline. Her efforts are not only a personal victory but a beacon of hope for her teammates and the nation at large.
Earlier in the competition, Nigeria celebrated its first medal in Paris when Eniola Bolaji won the bronze in badminton, making history as the first African to win a medal in the sport at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games. Bolaji’s victory over Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna, with straight-set wins of 21-9, 21-9, set the tone for what has become an inspiring campaign for Team Nigeria.
