The Abia State Para-badminton Team delivered an outstanding performance at the Uganda Para-badminton International 2026, securing seven gold and three silver medals to account for the bulk of Nigeria’s 13-medal haul at the championship.
The tournament, organised under the auspices of the Badminton Confederation Africa and the Badminton World Federation (BWF), concluded in Kampala, Uganda, after attracting para-badminton athletes from across the continent to compete for honours and valuable world ranking points.
According to the official results, Abia athletes excelled in both singles and doubles events.
In the women’s singles category, Ijeoma Gift Chukwuemeka emerged champion in the WH2 class, while Lyka Brown won the gold medal in the WH1 category.
The duo of Nnanna C. Jeremiah and Eze Sunday Chukwuneka claimed gold in the Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5 event, while Obioma Precious Nwosu and Eneojo Elijah Agada settled for silver.
Additional gold medals came from Obioma Precious Nwosu in the SL3 Men’s Singles, Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah in the SL4 Men’s Singles, Elijah Eneojo Agada in the SU5 Men’s Singles, and Emmanuel Ifeanacho Ohaeri in the WH2 Men’s Singles.
Ekeoma Samuel finished with a silver medal in the WH1 Men’s Singles event.
In the doubles events, Emmanuel Ifeanacho Ohaeri and Ekeoma Samuel secured silver in the WH1-WH2 Men’s Doubles, while Ijeoma G. Chukwuemeka and Ekeoma Samuel also won silver in the WH1-WH2 Mixed Doubles. Emmanuel Ifeanacho and Lyka Brown rounded off the team’s impressive outing with gold in the WH1-WH2 Mixed Doubles.
Abia concluded the championship with a total of 10 medals comprising seven gold and three silver, making a significant contribution to Nigeria’s overall tally of eight gold and five silver medals.
Officials of the team explained that beyond the medals, the international ranking points earned at the tournament would improve the athletes’ positions on the global rankings and strengthen their chances of qualifying for major competitions such as the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships and future Paralympic Games.
The team expressed gratitude to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, for sponsoring their participation at the championship, noting that his support enabled the athletes to compete internationally, gain exposure and earn crucial ranking points.
They also commended the Abia State Commissioner for Sports for his leadership and unwavering commitment to the growth of para-sports in the state.
“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. The points we have gained here will take us closer to the world stage,” Mr Abel Sunday, the chairman of the Association stated.
THE WHISTLER reports that the team’s remarkable outing at the Uganda Para-badminton International 2026 further reinforces Abia State’s growing reputation as one of the leading centres for para-badminton development in both Nigeria and Africa.
