News
Enugu Emerges Overall Winner Of 3rd National Para Games
By Aderonke Ojo
Enugu State has emerged the overall winner of the just concluded 3rd National Para Games in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outstanding performance saw Enugu secure 40 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals, for a total of 55 medals.
Bayelsa finished in second position with 25 gold, 30 silver and 34 bronze medals, amassing the highest total medal count of 89.
Edo claimed third place with 25 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze medals, totalling 51.
Rivers was placed fourth with 21 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals (59 total), while Lagos State finished fifth with 20 gold, 23 silver and 20 bronze medals, bringing their total to 63.
In sixth position, Abia recorded nine gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals (43 total), followed by Plateau in seventh place with eight gold, six silver and 14 bronze medals, totalling 28.
Osun came eighth with three gold, six silver and seven bronze medals (16 total), while Adamawa State secured ninth place with three gold, three silver and two bronze medals, totalling eight.
Kwara completed the top 10 with two gold, seven silver and 11 bronze medals, totalling 20.
Other states that featured in the medal table included Cross River (2 gold, 5 silver, 11 bronze – 18 total), Ondo (2 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze – 13 total).
Katsina (2 gold, 1 silver, 8 bronze – 11 total), and Kano (1 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze – 11 total).
Niger recorded one gold, three silver and one bronze medal (5 total), while Bauchi State secured one gold, two silver and nine bronze medals (12 total).
Ekiti finished with one gold, two silver and five bronze medals (8 total), and Benue State recorded one gold, one silver and three bronze medals (5 total).
Kaduna State did not win any gold medal but secured two silver and six bronze medals (8 total).
The host, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), finished with two silver and four bronze medals, total six.
Jigawa recorded one silver and two bronze medals (3 total), while Kogi and Zamfara each finished with one silver and one bronze medal (2 total apiece). Kebbi and Taraba recorded one bronze medal each.
Meanwhile, several states failed to win any medal at the games. These include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Gombe, Imo, Nasarawa, Ogun, Oyo, Sokoto and Yobe.
The 2026 edition of the National Para Games showcased remarkable talent and determination from athletes across the federation, further highlighting the growing development of para sports in Nigeria.
NAN reports that a total of 15 para sports were played: Para Athletics, Para Cycling, Para Karate, Para Taekwondo, Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton and Para Table Tennis.
Others were Amputee Football, Para Volleyball, Para Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Tennis, Para Shooting, Para Canoeing and Para Soccer.
The games commenced on March 26 and ended on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
News
Showtime Bowl XIV: The Stage Is Set!’ Anyaorah Lotanna Eyes History As Bello Anuoluwapo Declares: ‘Champions Rise When It Matters Most’
The countdown to the biggest game in Nigerian flag football has entered its final stretch. With just five days to go until Showtime Bowl XIV, excitement is building across the country as the Abia-Warriors and Lagos Knights prepare for a championship showdown that promises to be one for the history books.
For the third consecutive season, the Warriors and Knights will battle for the Showtime Bowl trophy, extending a rivalry that has become the gold standard of Showtime Flag Football.
The Warriors arrive with history on their side.
The Knights arrive with redemption on their minds.
And as anticipation reaches fever pitch, another group of stars is beginning to command the spotlight.
This time, it’s Bello Anuoluwapo and Anyaorah Lotanna.
LOTANNA READY TO HELP REWRITE HISTORY
The Lagos Knights have spent the entire season chasing one goal—returning to the Showtime Bowl and finally ending the dominance of the Abia-Warriors.
After powering through the playoffs with a dominant Wildcard performance before eliminating the Lagos Rebels in the semi-finals, the Knights now stand just one victory away from completing their redemption story.
One of the driving forces behind that remarkable run has been Anyaorah Lotanna, whose speed, composure and big-play ability have made him one of the league’s most exciting performers.
With another championship opportunity now within touching distance, Lotanna believes the Knights are better prepared than ever before.
“Every player dreams about moments like this. We’ve worked for months to earn another shot at the Warriors. This isn’t just another final—it’s our opportunity to change history.”
Having twice watched the Warriors celebrate at their expense, the Knights know exactly what is at stake.
For them, Showtime Bowl XIV is more than a championship game.
It is an opportunity to erase years of disappointment and finally bring the trophy back to Lagos.
BELLO ANUOLUWAPO: ‘CHAMPIONS RISE WHEN IT MATTERS MOST’
Standing in their way is a Warriors side that has built its reputation on performing under pressure.
The defending champions booked their place in the final after defeating the Ibom Raptors 46-33, once again proving why they remain the benchmark of Showtime Flag Football.
Among the Warriors’ standout performers throughout the campaign has been Bello Anuoluwapo, whose consistency, leadership and ability to deliver in crucial moments have helped keep the champions on course for another title.
As the countdown continues, Bello insists the Warriors are embracing the challenge that comes with defending their crown.
“Champions rise when it matters most. We’ve earned the right to defend this title, and we’re ready for another battle. The Knights are a great team, but we’re focused on finishing the job.”
The confidence inside the Warriors’ camp is understandable.
Two consecutive Showtime Bowl titles.
Two championship victories over the Knights.
Now, they stand just one win away from completing a historic three-peat and further cementing their legacy as one of the greatest teams in Showtime history.
THE RIVALRY THAT DEFINES SHOWTIME
Every great league has a rivalry that defines an era.
For Showtime Flag Football, that rivalry is Abia-Warriors versus Lagos Knights.
Three consecutive championship appearances between the same two teams is unprecedented in Showtime history and a reflection of the excellence, consistency and winning culture both organizations have built over the years.
The Warriors are chasing history.
The Knights are chasing redemption.
And neither side is prepared to leave Showtime Arena empty-handed.
THE BIGGEST SHOW IN NIGERIAN FLAG FOOTBALL
Beyond the rivalry, Showtime Bowl XIV represents another milestone in the remarkable growth of Showtime Flag Football.
Season XIV has produced unforgettable moments, breakout stars, thrilling playoff battles and an ever-growing fan base that continues to embrace the excitement of co-ed flag football.
Week after week, Showtime has continued to raise the standard, providing a platform where athletes compete at the highest level while inspiring the next generation of Nigerian flag football players.
Now, the journey reaches its final destination.
One stadium.
One championship.
One trophy.
Five days remain until two giants collide once again.
Will the Warriors continue their dynasty and complete a historic three-peat?
Or will the Knights finally rewrite history and claim the title that has twice slipped through their fingers?
The answers await on Sunday, June 28, when the lights shine brightest at Showtime Arena, Elegushi, Lekki.
The countdown is on.
Five days to go.
Welcome to Showtime Bowl XIV.
-
News3 days agoBREAKING: Ekiti 2026: ADC wins first polling unit
-
Health3 days ago
FG releases outbreak response funds to states to boost Ebola preparedness
-
News3 days ago
JUST IN: Gunmen Kill Pregnant Woman, Youth in Fresh Plateau Attack
-
News3 days ago
Ekiti Decides 2026: EFCC blinded, vote-buying should be decriminalised – Aisha Yesufu
