…officials attribute success to Otti’s support
Abia State Para-badminton Team won 7 Gold and 3 Silver medals out of the 13 medals won by Nigeria, writing its name in gold after a stellar performance at the Uganda Para-badminton International 2026.
DrumAfricanews reports that the tournament, sanctioned by the Badminton Confederation Africa and BWF, ended in Kampala with athletes from across Africa battling for ranking points and honours.
In a statement by Stanley Mba, Media and Publicity of Abia State Badminton Association said that the results from the championship show that Abia athletes dominated both singles and doubles events.
According to Mba, in Women’s Singles, Ijeoma Gift Chukwuemeka won Gold in WH2, while Lyka Brown clinched Gold in WH1.
“In Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5, the pair of Nnanna C. Jeremiah and Eze Sunday Chukwuneka won Gold, while Obioma Precious Nwosu and Eneojo Elijah Agada took Silver,” Mba said.
Other Gold medalists for Abia include Obinna Precious Nwosu in SL3 Men’s Singles, Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah in SL4 Men’s Singles, and Elijah Eneojo Agada in SU5 Men’s Singles. Emmanuel Ifeanacho Ohaeri also secured Gold in WH2 Men’s Singles.
According to Mba, Ekeoma Samuel added a Silver in WH1 Men’s Singles.
He said that in doubles, Emmanuel Ifeanacho Ohaeri & Ekeoma Samuel won Silver in WH1-WH2 Men’s Doubles, Ijeoma G. Chukwuemeka & Ekeoma Samuel won Silver in WH1-WH2 Mixed Doubles, while Emmanuel Ifeanacho & Lyka Brown claimed Gold in WH1-WH2 Mixed Doubles.
“With this performance, Abia State finished with 10 medals — 7 Gold and 3 Silver — contributing massively to Nigeria’s total haul of 8 Gold and 5 Silver medals.
“Team officials noted that apart from the medals, the ranking points obtained in Uganda will significantly boost the world rankings of the Abia athletes and aid their qualification for major world-stage competitions, including the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships and future Paralympic Games.”
The team expressed huge appreciation to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, for sponsoring the trip to Uganda.
They said his investment made it possible for the athletes to compete, gain exposure, and earn vital international ranking points.
“The athletes also appreciated the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and youth development, Abia State, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, for his leadership, support, and commitment to the development of para-sports in the state and the Director of Sports, Abia state Sports Council, comrade Obioma George, for making adequate preparation and organizing open camp for the team team which is yielding the desired result.”
Meanwhile, in a similar report, Mr Abel Sunday, the chairman of the Association said, “This is a proud moment for Abia State. We thank Governor Alex Otti for believing in us and for making this journey possible. We also thank the Honourable Commissioner for Sports for his constant encouragement and the Director of Sports, Abia state sports council for organizing an open camp for us which help in our preparation. The points we have gained here will take us closer to the world stage.”
DrumAfricanews reports that the Uganda Para-badminton International 2026 has now positioned Abia State as a leading force in para-badminton in Nigeria and Africa.
