Nigeria emerges winner of Africa Para Badminton Championships 2025

Paralympic star Eniola Bolaji propelled Team Nigeria to the top spot as the African Para Badminton Championships 2025 ended on Sunday in Abia State, with Nigeria winning 36 medals — 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze — to emerge overall champions at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

Kenya came second with 11 medals, including four gold, two silver, and five bronze, while Egypt placed third with eight medals — three gold, one silver, and four bronze. The Republic of Benin finished fourth with one gold, two silver, and two bronze.

The Democratic Republic of Congo ranked fifth with one gold and two bronze, while Tunisia took sixth with one silver and one bronze. Cameroon followed in seventh position with six bronze medals.

Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Rwanda shared the eighth to tenth spots with two bronze medals each, as Mauritius completed the medal table with one bronze. Only Mozambique failed to win a medal among the 12 countries that participated in the 19 events, which began on 7 October 2025.

At the closing ceremony, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State congratulated all the athletes, officials, and delegations, describing the event as an extraordinary celebration of resilience and unity.

Represented by Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Otti said the experience had been a priceless classroom for Nigeria, adding that Abia would bid to host the championships again in the future.

“We have learned, improved, and been inspired. And 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,” he said.

In his goodwill message, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, commended the para-athletes for showcasing ability, resilience, and human dignity. He also thanked the Badminton World Federation, the Badminton Confederation of Africa, and the Abia State Government for their commitment to advancing the sport and fostering unity through competition.