Blind Edo State-born athlete ranks 1st in Africa, 7th in the World; Goes to Rio, Brazil Olympics

Edo State-born physically impaired athlete, Friday Aibangbee, has been ranked first in Africa and seventh in the world in discuss throw.

Aibangbee, a Nigeria athlete, classified F11 recently in Dubai, qualified Nigeria in discuss throw for the forthcoming Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

This was disclosed Friday when he presented his letter of ranking from the International Para-Olympic Committee to the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Council, Hon. Harrison Omabgon.

With the recent ranking of Friday Aibangbee, he remains number one champion in discuss throw in Nigeria.

Born in 1970, the totally blind athlete lamented the treatment meted out to them in Dubai in the recently concluded international Olympics tries held in the United Arab Emirate.

He said that, in the nine days they spent in Dubai for the competition, they were only given 250 Dollars.

The Africa champion commended the Chairman of the Sports Council Board and former Sports Commissioner in Edo State, Hon Brown Ebewele, for their financial and moral contributions that had taken him thus far.

Responding, Hon Harrison Omagbon said he was so relieved to see Aibangbee in his top form.

According to him, “I feel on top of the world that you have not disappointed us.

“Our fight to ensure that you were classified, is not in vain. You have not just proved that you are a champion you have also qualified Nigeria for the Rio Olympics.”