Abia State Secures Rights as Permanent Home for Nigerian Para Badminton Following Successful Hosting Debut
Team Nigeria emerged as the undisputed overall winner of the 2025 Africa Para Badminton International Championship, concluding a successful two-week hosting stint by Abia State.
The Nigerian team put on a commanding performance, amassing a total of 36 medals—10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze—to finish at the top of the medal table.
Kenya secured a distant second place with 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze), while Egypt finished third with 8 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze).
In his closing remarks, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, described the event as “amazing” and applauded the athletes, officials, and delegates.
Represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, the Governor commended the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) for their professionalism and collaboration.
The state’s Director of Sports, Mr. Obioma George, hailed the championship—the first of its kind hosted by the state—as a resounding success.
He attributed Team Nigeria’s stellar performance to the strong support and commitment of Governor Otti’s administration.
“Abia has now earned a place on the global sporting map as the home of Para Badminton in Nigeria,” Mr. George stated.
He highlighted a major milestone in the women’s wheelchair singles event, where a Nigerian athlete of Abia origin dethroned the reigning Egyptian world champion.
Building on the event’s success, Mr. George announced that Abia State has secured approval to host the tournament again in 2026.
Also, the National Sports Commission has endorsed the state as the permanent host for Para Badminton in Nigeria.
The championship featured para-badminton stars from 12 African countries.
Reporting by Peace Agbo