Nigeria’s para badminton team achieved a significant milestone at the 2026 Uganda Para Badminton International Championship, securing a total of 14 medals. The team’s performance, which included nine gold and five silver medals, took place during the championship held from July 7 to July 12, 2026. This achievement further solidifies the country’s position as a prominent force in para badminton across Africa.
The medal haul was distributed across various categories, highlighting the depth of talent within the Nigerian squad. In the women’s events, Lyka Brown was a standout performer, claiming a gold medal in the WH1 Women’s Singles. She further demonstrated her prowess by partnering with Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift to win another gold medal in the WH1 & WH2 Women’s Doubles category. Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift also secured an individual gold medal in the WH2 Women’s Singles, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success.
Men’s Wheelchair and Standing Categories
The men’s wheelchair events also saw strong performances from Nigerian athletes. Emmanuel Ifeanacho Ohaeri earned a gold medal in the WH2 Men’s Singles. He then teamed up with Lyka Brown to capture another gold medal in the WH1 & WH2 Mixed Doubles. Additionally, Ohaeri partnered with Ekeoma Samuel to secure a silver medal in the WH1 & WH2 Men’s Doubles. Ekeoma Samuel also individually claimed a silver medal in the WH1 Men’s Singles and, alongside Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift, won another silver medal in the WH1 & WH2 Mixed Doubles.
Nigeria’s dominance extended into the standing categories. Obinna Precious Nwosu was victorious in the SL3 Men’s Singles, earning a gold medal, while Eze Sunday Chukwuebuka secured a silver medal in the same event. Nnanna Jeremiah Chigozie also contributed to the gold medal tally by winning the SL4 Men’s Singles. He later teamed up with Eze Sunday Chukwuebuka to win a gold medal in the SL3 & SU5 Men’s Doubles.
In the SU5 category, Eneojo Elijah Agada clinched a gold medal in the singles event. He then partnered with Obinna Precious Nwosu to secure a silver medal in the SL3–SU5 Men’s Doubles, further adding to Nigeria’s impressive medal count.
Federation President Commends Performance and Support
Francis Orbih, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance at the championship. He highlighted that the athletes’ achievements have elevated the country’s profile in the sport, particularly in anticipation of upcoming continental and global competitions. Orbih stated that the para badminton athletes have consistently demonstrated their ability to win medals and bring pride to the nation.
The President also affirmed the federation’s commitment to supporting para athletes, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to excel. He emphasized that the ultimate goal is the Paralympic Games, with an aim to qualify as many athletes as possible and make a significant impact, building on previous successes such as that of Eniola Bolaji. This focus on future competitions underscores the strategic vision for the development of para badminton in Nigeria.
Orbih extended his gratitude to the sponsors who made the team’s participation possible. He specifically acknowledged the Abia State Government for sponsoring six players, and the Bayelsa State Government, along with the Police College Badminton Club Lagos, for each sponsoring one player. The federation is keen on fostering these partnerships and collaborating with more organizations in the future to continue developing para badminton in Nigeria.
The successful outing at the 2026 Uganda Para Badminton International Championship serves as a significant boost for Nigeria’s para badminton program. It reinforces the country’s growing strength in the sport and provides momentum as athletes prepare for forthcoming continental championships and the qualification process for the Paralympic Games.
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Source: thisdaylive.com
