Nigerian athletes, Kayode and Christiana Alabi are poised to make history as the first African Para couple to compete at the Paralympic Games, set to take place in Paris.
Their story is not just one of athletic prowess but also of love and perseverance, as they have overcome significant challenges both on and off the field.
Their journey began in 2017 at a national camp in Lagos, where a friendship blossomed into a relationship that has seen them achieve remarkable success in Para-table tennis.
Paris, a city synonymous with love and romance, will now play host to this extraordinary African love story as the Alabis compete for Paralympic glory.
Kayode and Christiana are both ranked as the top Para-table tennis players in their respective classes in Africa.
Christiana claimed a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, while Kayode secured two gold medals at the African Para Championships.
Their partnership, both on and off the court, has been a driving force behind their success.
Their love story began when they met during national trials for the Commonwealth Games.
Kayode recalls their first encounter fondly, “It was her first time at the camp and she looked very beautiful and quiet,” he shared with BBC Sport Africa.
However, Christiana was not immediately smitten. “He came to me, we talked, but then I was not giving him much attention,” she admitted.
Despite the physical distance between them—Christiana was living in Asaba, seven hours away from Kayode in Lagos—the couple maintained their connection through regular phone calls.
In 2019, Christiana made the decision to move to Lagos to be closer to Kayode and to advance her career.
“Things were tough in Asaba, and I was struggling to continue,” she explained. “Kayode encouraged me to join him so we could train together.”
Their marriage in 2022 was met with some skepticism, with outsiders questioning the viability of a relationship between two individuals with disabilities.
“While our families supported us, others saw it as unusual for two people with disabilities to be together,” Christiana reflected. Nevertheless, their bond has only grown stronger, both personally and professionally. “Christiana has been my coach at many tournaments,” Kayode said. “We listen to each other and work well together, which is why we’re heading to the Paralympics as a team.”
At the Paris Games, Kayode will compete in the men’s class 6 singles, as well as the men’s and mixed doubles events. Christiana will take part in the women’s class 5 singles.
Their training routine is intense, with five practice sessions each week. “He’s passed on his knowledge of the game to me, and we’ve grown both as athletes and partners,” Christiana said.
The Alabis’ story is especially compelling given the barriers they face in Nigeria. Both were affected by polio as children—Christiana uses a wheelchair, while Kayode lost the use of his right leg and requires support to walk.
“I was the only child with a disability in my community, which made life very difficult,” Christiana shared. “My disability made it hard to make friends, and I was very shy, rarely mingling with others.” Kayode, too, faced challenges but found support in his friends, who would sometimes carry him on their backs to school or training.
Even as adults, the couple confronts significant obstacles daily. “Navigating from our home to the training ground is extremely challenging,” Kayode explained. “Finding a bus that can accommodate my wife’s wheelchair is not easy.”
The lack of accessible infrastructure in Nigeria adds to their daily struggles. According to the Nigerian National Development Plan 2021-2025, more than 96% of people with disabilities in the country lack access to assistive devices, and 98.5% of public infrastructure remains inaccessible.
Despite these challenges, the couple finds solace in their mutual support. “We help each other out. Kayode is very caring. If I need something and don’t want to go out, he’ll take care of it for me. Financially, we manage well,” Christiana said.
Their preparation for the Paralympics has been rigorous, with weekly gym sessions to build strength and endurance.
They also dedicate time at home to analyzing videos of their practice sessions, constantly pushing each other to improve. Christiana was the first to secure her spot at the Games, qualifying at the African event in Egypt, September, 2023.
“It was my wife who qualified while I was still in the semi-final,” Kayode recalled. “That motivated me to put in even more effort so that we both could qualify.”
Reflecting on their joint achievement, Christiana expressed her gratitude and ambition. “I’m glad that we made it together,” she said. “My expectation is to get to the top, bring honour to Nigeria, my family, and my husband, who has been training me all along.”
Their daily routine is a testament to their dedication. Each morning begins with a two-hour training session, followed by a midday break, and then another session in the evening. This disciplined schedule reflects their commitment not only to each other but also to their shared goal of success at the Paralympics.
As the Alabis finalise their preparations for Paris 2024, their story is set to inspire many, both in Nigeria and around the world.
Their journey, marked by love, resilience, and an unwavering determination to overcome the odds, will undoubtedly shine brightly on the Paralympic stage.
