The Nigeria Wheelchair Rugby Association (NWRA) has achieved a significant milestone by securing full membership in the World Wheelchair Rugby Federation (WWR). This accomplishment, confirmed in a December 4, 2024, letter from the WWR, marks the culmination of a dedicated two-year effort spearheaded by Suleiman Isah, President of the NWRA and Secretary General of the Nigeria Paralympic Committee. This achievement opens up a world of opportunities for Nigerian para-athletes, allowing them to compete on the international stage and further develop the sport of wheelchair rugby within the country. The NWRA’s successful integration into the global wheelchair rugby community underscores a broader movement to expand and elevate para-sports in Nigeria.
Isah’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating the NWRA through the membership process, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to expanding para-sports in Nigeria. His vision extends beyond wheelchair rugby, encompassing a broader ambition to enhance the visibility and participation of Nigerian para-athletes in international competitions. This latest success with the NWRA builds upon his previous achievements in amputee football, where he led the Nigerian team to multiple international tournaments, overcoming financial obstacles and the threat of sanctions. His dedication to creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities underscores the transformative impact of dedicated leadership within para-sports.
The NWRA’s journey to full WWR membership began with provisional approval on July 9, 2024. This initial step signaled the association’s progress in meeting the WWR’s stringent requirements, paving the way for the final confirmation. The official announcement of full membership solidified the NWRA’s place within the international wheelchair rugby community, granting them access to resources, competitions, and development programs that will further elevate the sport in Nigeria. This accomplishment represents a triumph not only for the NWRA but also for the wider para-sports movement in Nigeria.
Suleiman Isah’s track record of success in para-sports administration is evident in his work with the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation. Prior to focusing on wheelchair rugby, he played a pivotal role in reviving the amputee football team’s international presence. He successfully led the team to the Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico in 2018, a landmark achievement after the team had missed three previous editions due to financial constraints. He further solidified their standing by guiding them to the Africa Amputee Football Nations Cup in Angola in 2019, where they secured second place, and again to the Tanzania edition in 2021. These achievements demonstrate his ability to overcome challenges and establish a consistent presence for Nigerian para-athletes on the global stage.
Isah’s success with the amputee football team laid the groundwork for his efforts with the NWRA. His experience in navigating international sporting bodies, securing funding, and building competitive teams provided a valuable foundation for establishing wheelchair rugby in Nigeria. His consistent focus on expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities through sports highlights his dedication to inclusivity and his belief in the transformative power of athletic competition.
The NWRA’s full membership in the WWR marks a new chapter for wheelchair rugby in Nigeria. The association can now focus on building a strong national team, developing grassroots programs, and hosting international competitions. The opportunities for Nigerian para-athletes are vast, and the future of wheelchair rugby in the country appears bright. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of individuals like Suleiman Isah, who are committed to advancing para-sports and providing opportunities for athletes with disabilities to excel on the world stage. The NWRA’s journey serves as an inspiration to other emerging para-sports in Nigeria and underscores the potential for growth and success in the broader para-sports movement.
