Team Nigeria were crowned overall champions at the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships, which concluded Sunday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.
Inspired by Paralympic star Eniola Bolaji, the hosts dominated the continental showpiece, amassing a total of 36 medals – 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze – to finish top of the standings.
Other Nigerian gold medallists included Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Goman, and Bello Tukur, who all contributed to Nigeria’s commanding display on home soil.
Kenya finished second with 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze), while Egypt placed third with 8 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze). Benin Republic secured fourth position with one gold, two silver, and two bronze, followed by Congo DR in fifth (one gold, two bronze).
Other countries on the medal table were Tunisia (one silver, one bronze), Cameroon (six bronze), Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Rwanda (two bronze each), while Mauritius claimed one bronze. Mozambique was the only nation without a medal among the 12 participating countries.
The championship, which featured 19 events, began on October 7, serving as a remarkable display of skill, determination, and inclusivity across Africa.
At the closing ceremony, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, congratulated the athletes and hailed the event as ‘an extraordinary celebration of resilience and unity.’
‘We have learned, improved, and been inspired,’ Otti said. ‘Let me assure you – Abia will bid to host again, and when we do, we will deliver an even greater experience.’
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, lauded the athletes’ courage and performance, emphasizing that para sports continue to embody the essence of human strength and dignity.
He also expressed appreciation to the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Confederation of Africa for their support, as well as the Abia State Government for hosting a world-class event.
The continental championship followed closely on the heels of the First Abia Para Badminton International, held from September 30 to October 5, 2025, where Nigerian stars Bolaji, Nnanna, and Nathan also clinched gold medals.