Nigerian suspension lifted in time for Commonwealth Games
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
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September 3 - Nigeria's Paralympians will be allowed to participate in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi next month after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) lifted 10 month suspension on the Nigeria Paralympics Committee (NPC).
Patrick Ekeji, the director general of Nigeria's National Sports Commission (NSC), announced that they had reached a compromise with the IPC over the suspension imposed last November following problems during the NPC's election.
The Commonwealth Games, which are due to be opened by Prince Charles on October 3, feature selected disability events in athletics, swimming, table teniis and powerlifting.
"We have been able to get the suspension placed on the Paralympics Committee by the IPC as a result of the leadership tussle in the body lifted," said Ekeji.
"The IPC gave us the grace to be at the Commonwealth Games and asked us to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the NPC."
Nigeria finished 30th in the medals table at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing with a total of nine medals, including four gold, two of which were won by Eucharia Njideka Iyiazi in the F57/58 discus and shot put respectively.
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