The 5th Abia National Open Para-Badminton Championship concluded on a triumphant note in Umuahia on Thursday July 17, 2025 with host state Abia emerging overall winners, reaffirming their dominance in Nigeria’s para-badminton scene.
Over four action-packed days at the International Conference Centre (ICC), athletes from 14 states showcased resilience, skill, and sportsmanship in one of the country’s biggest gatherings of para-badminton talents.
Abia State thrilled the home crowd, topping the medal table with 17 medals – 5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze. Their consistent performance across all categories proved decisive.
Plateau State followed in second place with 8 medals (4 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze), while Ogun State finished third with 5 medals (3 gold, 2 bronze).
Kwara State, powered by Nigeria’s para-badminton star Eniola Bolaji Mariam, came fourth with 3 gold medals, while Imo State completed the top five with 9 medals (1 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze).
Other notable performances came from Rivers State (3 medals), Kebbi (2 medals), Delta (1 gold), Akwa Ibom (2 silver) and Bayelsa (1 silver, 4 bronze). Lagos, Anambra, Taraba, and Ebonyi rounded off the table.
Declaring the championship officially closed, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Okey Kanu, hailed the event as “a convergence of talent, resilience, and sportsmanship that reflects the power of inclusivity, unity, and determination.”
Governor Otti commended the Commissioner for Sports, the Local Organising Committee, the Para-Badminton Association, and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for hosting a successful championship. He described the athletes as “heroes and ambassadors of courage.”
The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, joined by Abel Sunday, Chairman of the Abia Para-Badminton Association, and Samuel Ekeoma, National Coordinator for Para-Badminton, thanked the governor for his visionary support that continues to open opportunities for para-athletes.
National sports dignitaries, including Francis Orbih (Badminton Federation of Nigeria), Ezenwanne Charles Chiemeka (Para Powerlifting Federation), and Thelca Opara (Director of Para-Sports at the National Sports Commission), applauded Abia’s commitment to promoting para-sports in Nigeria.
The closing ceremony featured a star exhibition match where Olympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji partnered with Ayuba Yahaya to defeat Odinakachi Uwalaka and James Akpan in the SL3 final. Medal presentations, goodwill messages, and cultural performances highlighted the colourful finale.
The championship, which ran from July 14 to 17, now paves the way for bigger events: the 1st Abia Para-Badminton International Championship (September 30 – October 5, 2025) and the All Africa Para-Badminton Championship (October 6–12, 2025).
The 5th Abia National Open Para-Badminton Championship may have ended, but its impact on athlete development, inclusion, and the future of para-badminton in Nigeria will resonate far beyond Umuahia.
This is exciting news for parents and young athletes! This camp not only focuses on skill development through individualized training but also emphasizes teamwork and social interaction. With experienced coaches guiding the sessions, participants will enjoy a well-rounded experience that balances fun and learning.