Badminton: Nigeria tops medal table at African Para Tournament

Team Nigeria dominated the table at the 2025 African Parabadminton Championships, with 36 medals, including 10 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze as the competition concluded on Sunday.

The Kenya National Olympic Committee came second with 11 medals, four gold, two silver and five bronze, in the tournament held at the Umuahia International Conference Centre, Abia.

Egypt rounded out the top three with eight medals, including three gold, one silver and four bronze.

The Republic of Benin came in fourth position with one gold, two silver and two bronze, while the Democratic Congo came in fifth position with one gold and two bronze.

Tunisia took sixth place with a silver and a bronze, while Cameroon got six bronzes for seventh place.

Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso and Rwanda complete the top 10 with two bronzes each, while Mauritius completed the medal table with a bronze.

Only Mozambique failed to win any medals among the 12 countries that participated in 19 events in the tournament that began on October 7.

Meanwhile, African para-badminton queen, Eniola Bolaji, Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Goman and Bello Tukur were among Nigeria’s gold medallists.

The trio of Bolaji, Nnanna and Nathan had won gold medals in their categories at the recently concluded First Abia Para Badminton International held between September 30 and October 5, at the same venue.

Also, Odinachi Uwalaka, Obinna Nwosu, Ifeanacho Ohaeri, Ebikoboere Brown, Abel David, James Akpan and Nendimwa Monday and others won silver for Nigeria on Sunday.

In a speech at the closing ceremony, Governor Alex Otti of Abia expressed warm congratulations and gratitude to all athletes, officials and delegations for making the event an extraordinary celebration of resilience and unity.

Otti, represented by Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, said the experience has been an invaluable classroom for Nigeria.

“We have learned, improved and been inspired.

“And let me assure you that Abia will apply to host again and when we do, we will offer an experience that will far exceed this pioneering effort,” he said.

In a goodwill message, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, said para-athletes had demonstrated that sport is a powerful expression of capability, resilience and human dignity.

He thanked the Badminton World Federation and the African Badminton Confederation for their guidance, presence and tireless commitment to the advancement of para-badminton in Africa.

Orbih also expressed his deep gratitude to the Abia State Government, saying: “Not only has it provided a world-class competitive environment, but it has also created a home for friendship and unity among others.”

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