Nigeria Secures 3 Golds as Abia Para-Badminton International Concludes
At the close of the inaugural Abia Para Badminton International Tournament in Umuahia, Nigeria emerged with a tally of three golds, four silvers, and nine bronze medals, placing fourth overall in a landmark event.
Among the gold winners:
Jeremiah Nnanna from Abia clinched one of Nigeria’s golds.
Eniola Bolaji, Nigeria’s Paralympic bronze medallist, won gold in the women’s singles SL3, defeating Cameroon’s Danyele Mouafo.
Mary Nathan also took gold in women’s singles WH1, beating Brazil’s Juscileia Silva.
Brazil led the medal standings, with 7 golds, 3 silvers, and 5 bronze, while India followed with 6 golds, 5 silvers, and 14 bronze. Peru claimed third place with 6 golds, 3 silvers, and 2 bronze medals.
A total of 114 players from 13 countries competed across 19 events in this historic tournament, the first of its kind to be hosted in West Africa.
During the closing ceremony (which also served as the flag-off for the upcoming All-African Para Badminton Championships), Governor Alex Otti approved a bid for the event to return to Abia next year, citing his administration’s commitment to inclusion.
He emphasized that in Abia, “our mantra is inclusion” and pledged support for athletes with disabilities, including designing public transport that accommodates wheelchair users.
Further, the governor announced US$50,000 in cash awards for the 144 athletes who participated from 13 nations.
Jeff Shingoli, representing the Badminton World Federation, commended Nigeria (and especially Abia State) for hosting and giving visibility to para badminton.
He said that the environment created in Abia will help “ensure the dreams of our para badminton athletes thrive.”
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, also praised the state government for sponsoring the event. He encouraged athletes to carry forward the spirit of unity and excellence.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Youth & Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba; Vice President of the Para Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Samuel Ekeoma; Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu; and state executive council members.