Team Nigeria emerged as the overall champion of the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships, securing a total of 36 medals, including 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze, as the competition concluded on Sunday in Umuahia, Abia State.
Kenya’s National Olympic Committee finished second with 11 medals four gold, two silver, and five bronze while Egypt claimed third place with eight medals, comprising three gold, one silver, and four bronze.
The Republic of Benin ranked fourth with one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo in fifth with one gold and two bronze. Tunisia took sixth with one silver and one bronze, and Cameroon secured seventh place with six bronze medals. Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Rwanda each claimed two bronze medals to complete the top 10, while Mauritius earned one bronze. Mozambique was the only participating nation among the 12 countries that did not win a medal across the 19 events, which began on October 7.
Also Read:Â Paralympic medalists set for Abia National Para Badminton Championship
Nigeria’s gold medalists included para badminton stars Eniola Bolaji, Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Goman, and Bello Tukur. Bolaji, Nnanna, and Nathan had previously clinched gold in their categories at the First Abia Para Badminton International held between September 30 and October 5 at the same venue.
Silver medal winners for Nigeria on Sunday included Odinachi Uwalaka, Obinna Nwosu, Ifeanacho Ohaeri, Ebikoboere Brown, Abel David, James Akpan, and Nendimwa Monday.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development Nwaobilor Ananaba, praised the athletes and officials for an extraordinary display of resilience and unity. “We have learned, improved, and been inspired. Abia will bid to host again, and we will deliver an experience surpassing this pioneering effort,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, commended the para athletes for demonstrating that sport is a powerful expression of ability, resilience, and human dignity. He also thanked the Badminton World Federation and the Badminton Confederation of Africa for their guidance and support, as well as the Abia State Government for providing a world-class venue that fostered friendship and unity among participants.
