Team Nigeria has emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships, clinching 36 medals, including 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze, as the competition ended on Sunday in Umuahia, Abia State.

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya came second with 11 medals, comprising four gold, two silver, and five bronze.

Egypt rounded off the top three with eight medals, including three gold, one silver, and four bronze.

The Republic of Benin came fourth with one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, while the Democratic Republic of Congo finished fifth with one gold and two bronze medals.

Tunisia occupied the sixth position with one silver and one bronze, as Cameroon got six bronze medals to place seventh.

Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Rwanda rounded off the top 10 with two bronze medals each, while Mauritius completed the medal table with one bronze.

Only Mozambique failed to win any medal among the 12 countries that participated in the 19 events of the tournament, which started on Oct. 7.

Meanwhile, African queen of para badminton, Eniola Bolaji, Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Goman, and Bello Tukur were among Nigeria’s gold medalists.

The trio of Bolaji, Nnanna, and Nathan had also won gold medals in their categories at the just-concluded First Abia Para Badminton International, held between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5 at the same venue.

Odinachi Uwalaka, Obinna Nwosu, Ifeanacho Ohaeri, Ebikoboere Brown, Abel David, James Akpan, Nendimwa Monday, and others also won silver for Nigeria on Sunday.

In his closing ceremony speech, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia extended gratitude to all the athletes and officials, describing the event as an extraordinary celebration of resilience and unity.

Mr Otti, represented by Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, said that the experience had been a priceless classroom for Nigeria.

“We have learned, improved and been inspired.

“Let me assure you that Abia will bid to host again, and when we do, we will offer an experience that will surpass this pioneering effort,” he said.

In a goodwill message, president, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, said that the para athletes had demonstrated that sport is a powerful expression of ability, resilience, and human dignity.

He thanked the Badminton World Federation and the Badminton Confederation of Africa for their guidance, presence, and unrelenting commitment to the advancement of para badminton in Africa.

Mr Orbih also expressed gratitude to the Abia State government, saying, “You have not only provided a world-class environment for competition, but you have also created a home for friendship and unity among others.”

(NAN)