NSC DG charges Para Badminton players as Nigeria storms Spain for Para Badminton tournaments
By Olaolu Joseph
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has urged Nigeria’s para badminton team to give their best and make the nation proud as they prepare to compete in two major international tournaments in Spain.
These tournaments represent a significant step for Nigeria’s para badminton athletes in their quest for global recognition, offering them an opportunity to face the world’s best.
The first event, the 2025 Spanish Level 2 International Para Badminton Championship, will take place in Vitoria, Spain, from March 4 to 9, 2025.
Five Nigerians will compete in the singles category: Eniola Mariam Bolaji (Women’s SL3 – Singles), Okoro Chinyere Lucky (Women’s SL4 – Singles), Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift (Women’s SL4 – Singles), Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday (Men’s SL3 – Singles), and Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah (Men’s SL4 – Singles).
Three players will also participate in the Spanish International Level 1 Para Badminton Championship in Toledo, Madrid, from March 12 to 16, 2025. They include Eniola Mariam Bolaji (Women’s SL3 – Singles), Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah (Men’s SL4 – Singles & Doubles), and Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday (Men’s SL3 – Singles & Doubles).
In addition to their individual events, Jeremiah and Eze will team up in the Men’s SL3-SL4 Doubles category, further bolstering Nigeria’s presence on the global para badminton stage.
Honourable Olopade emphasized the importance of these tournaments, noting that Nigerian para athletes have consistently demonstrated resilience and excellence on the world stage.
“This is another opportunity to showcase the immense talent that Nigeria possesses in para sports. I urge our players to stay focused, compete with determination, and continue to make the country proud. The NSC remains committed to supporting and elevating para sports in Nigeria,” he said.
He also highlighted the growing significance of para sports in Nigeria and stressed the need for increased investment, infrastructure development, and grassroots initiatives.
“Para athletes have repeatedly shown they are just as capable of bringing glory to the nation as their able-bodied counterparts. We must ensure they have access to world-class training, exposure, and support systems. The NSC is committed to creating more opportunities for them to excel,” Olopade added.
