Team Nigeria reigned supreme at the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships, amassing an impressive total of 36 medals,10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze, as the tournament came to a close on Sunday.
Kenya’s National Olympic Committee secured second place with 11 medals, including four gold, two silver, and five bronze, while Egypt finished third with a haul of eight medals, three gold, one silver, and four bronze, at the event held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.
The Republic of Benin placed fourth with one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo in fifth, earning one gold and two bronze. Tunisia clinched sixth with one silver and one bronze, while Cameroon came seventh with six bronze medals.
Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Rwanda shared the eighth to tenth spots with two bronze medals each, and Mauritius wrapped up the table with a single bronze medal. Of the 12 countries that featured in the 19-event championship, only Mozambique failed to win a medal.
Nigeria’s gold medalists included African para badminton sensation Eniola Bolaji, alongside Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Goman, and Bello Tukur.
Notably, Bolaji, Nnanna, and Nathan had also claimed gold medals at the First Abia Para Badminton International, held at the same venue from September 30 to October 5.
Silver medalists for Nigeria included Odinachi Uwalaka, Obinna Nwosu, Ifeanacho Ohaeri, Ebikoboere Brown, Abel David, James Akpan, and Nendimwa Monday, among others.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, congratulated the athletes, officials, and delegations, describing the championship as “an extraordinary celebration of resilience and unity.”
Otti, represented by Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, added, “We have learned, improved and been inspired. And let me assure you, Abia will bid to host again, and when we do, we will offer an experience that will far surpass this pioneering effort.”
In his goodwill message, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, commended the athletes for showcasing the true spirit of the sport.
“The para athletes have demonstrated that sport is a powerful expression of ability, resilience and human dignity,” he said.
He also extended appreciation to the Badminton World Federation and the Badminton Confederation of Africa for their steadfast support and guidance, while expressing gratitude to the Abia State Government, saying, “You have not only provided a world-class environment for competition, but you have also created a home for friendship and unity among others.”
