Nigeria Crowned Champions of 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Team Nigeria emerged overall champions at the Africa Para Badminton Championships 2025, clinching a total of 36 medals — including 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze — as the tournament concluded on Sunday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya finished second with 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze), while Egypt secured third place with 8 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze).
Benin Republic ranked fourth after winning 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, which claimed 1 gold and 2 bronze to place fifth.
Tunisia took sixth position with 1 silver and 1 bronze, while Cameroon finished seventh with six bronze medals. Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Rwanda tied for eighth place, each earning two bronze medals, and Mauritius completed the top 10 with one bronze.
Of the 12 participating countries, only Mozambique failed to register a medal across the 19 events contested between October 7 and 12.
Nigeria’s dominance was powered by standout performances from Eniola Bolaji, Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Goma, and Bello Tukur, who all struck gold.
Notably, Bolaji, Nnanna, and Nathan had also won gold in their respective categories at the First Abia Para Badminton International, held at the same venue between September 30 and October 5.
Other medalists for Nigeria included Odinachi Uwalaka, Obinna Nwosu, Ifeanacho Ohaeri, Ebikoboere Brown, Abel David, James Akpan, and Nendimwa Monday, who each secured silver medals.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, commended the athletes for their dedication and spirit of sportsmanship.
“We have learned, improved, and been inspired,” Otti said. “Abia will bid to host again, and when we do, we will offer an experience that surpasses this pioneering effort.”
In his goodwill message, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, lauded the athletes for showcasing the power of resilience and human dignity through sport.
“Our para athletes have proven that sport is a powerful expression of ability and perseverance,” Orbih said.
He also thanked the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), and the Abia State Government for their unwavering support, describing the event as “a celebration of unity and excellence in African sport.”
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
