By Kabiru Abdulrauf,
Nigeria ended on a triumphant note at the First Abia Para-Badminton International Tournament, clinching three gold, four silver, and nine bronze medals as the weeklong championship concluded in Umuahia, Abia State.
Leading the charge was Eniola Bolaji, Nigeria’s Paralympic bronze medallist, who dazzled the home crowd with a dominant 2–0 victory over Cameroon’s Danyele Mouafo (21–7, 21–3) in the women’s singles SL3 category.
Bolaji’s win set the tone for what became a golden finish for the host nation. In the men’s singles SL4 class, Africa’s top-ranked player Jeremiah Nnanna outclassed compatriot Yahaya Ayuba 2–0 (21–9, 21–8) to secure Nigeria’s second gold medal.
The day’s highlight, however, came from Mary Nathan, who fought back from a set down to defeat Brazil’s Juscileia Silva 2–1 (5–21, 21–18, 21–17) in the women’s singles WH1 category a thrilling comeback that earned her Nigeria’s third gold.
Nigeria also recorded strong performances across doubles and mixed categories, earning four silver medals through Jeremiah Nnanna, Obinna Nwosu, Chinyere Okoro, Yahaya Ayuba, and Ijeoma Chukwuemeka.
The tournament, which drew 114 players from 13 nations, featured 19 events held from September 30 to October 5. It was not only a test of skill but also a celebration of resilience and inclusivity in sports.
Brazil topped the medal table with seven gold, three silver, and five bronze, followed by India with six gold, five silver, and 14 bronze, while Peru came third with six gold, three silver, and two bronze. Nigeria’s fourth-place finish marked a strong showing for the host nation and reaffirmed its growing reputation in global para-sports.
At the closing ceremony, Abia State Governor Alex Otti congratulated the athletes, describing the event as a milestone for sports development and disability inclusion in Nigeria.
“This championship has shown that ability, not disability, defines the true spirit of competition,” Otti said. “Abia State is proud to host an event that has United Nations through excellence and courage.”
As the lights dimmed on Umuahia’s badminton courts, the echoes of determination, pride, and victory lingered a reminder that Nigeria’s para-athletes continue to redefine boundaries and inspire a continent.
