By Kabiru Abdulrauf
Team Nigeria has emerged overall winner of the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships, claiming 36 medals including 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze as the tournament ended on Sunday in Umuahia, Abia State.
Kenya finished second with 11 medals comprising four gold, two silver, and five bronze, while Egypt placed third with eight medals (three gold, one silver, and four bronze.
Benin Republic came fourth, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia, and Cameroon.
The competition featured 12 countries competing in 19 events from October 7 to 13, with only Mozambique failing to win a medal.
Among Nigeria’s gold medalists were Eniola Bolaji, Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Goman, and Bello Tukur.
Bolaji, Nnanna, and Nathan had earlier won gold at the First Abia Para Badminton International held from September 30 to October 5 at the same venue.
Silver medalists included Odinachi Uwalaka, Obinna Nwosu, Ifeanacho Ohaeri, Ebikoboere Brown, Abel David, James Akpan, and Nendimwa Monday.
In his closing remarks, Governor Alex Otti of Abia, represented by Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, thanked all participants, describing the event as “an extraordinary celebration of resilience and unity.”
“We have learned, improved, and been inspired. Abia will bid to host again and when we do, we will offer an experience that surpasses this pioneering effort,” Otti said.
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, praised the athletes for their performance and spirit. He noted that the para athletes had shown that “sport is a powerful expression of ability, resilience, and human dignity.”
He also commended the Badminton World Federation, Badminton Confederation of Africa, and the Abia State Government for their support and commitment to advancing para badminton across the continent.
