Team Nigeria has emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships, held at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Abia State. The Nigerian team dominated the tournament, clinching a total of 36 medals, including 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze.
The standout performers for Nigeria included African queen of para badminton, Eniola Bolaji, Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Goman, and Bello Tukur, who all won gold medals. Notably, Bolaji, Nnanna, and Nathan had also won gold medals in their categories at the First Abia Para Badminton International, held from September 30 to October 5 at the same venue.
The top 10 countries in the medal tally were:
– 1st. Nigeria: 36 medals (10 gold, 13 silver, 13 bronze)
– 2nd. Kenya: 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze)
– 3rd. Egypt: 8 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze)
– 4th. Republic of Benin: 5 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze)
– 5th. DR Congo: 3 medals (1 gold, 0 silver, 2 bronze)
– 6th. Tunisia: 2 medals (0 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
– 7th. Cameroon: 6 medals (0 gold, 0 silver, 6 bronze)
– 8th. Zimbabwe: 2 medals (0 gold, 0 silver, 2 bronze)
– 9th. Burkina Faso: 2 medals (0 gold, 0 silver, 2 bronze)
– 10th. Rwanda: 2 medals (0 gold, 0 silver, 2 bronze)
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development Nwaobilor Ananaba, praised the athletes and officials for their dedication and competitive spirit.
“This experience has been a priceless classroom for Nigeria. We have learned, improved, and been inspired. 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,” Otti said.
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 thanked the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Confederation of Africa for their guidance and support.
