Nigeria's rise as one of Africa's foremost para badminton nations gathered even greater momentum after the country's athletes produced an exceptional performance at the 2026 Uganda Para Badminton International Championship, returning home with an impressive collection of 14 medals comprising of nine gold and five silver.
Held in Uganda from Tuesday, July 7 to Sunday, July 12, the championship became another stage for Nigerian athletes to demonstrate their quality across both wheelchair and standing classifications, delivering performances that strengthened the country's growing reputation on the continental circuit.
Several athletes emerged as the driving force behind the medal haul.
Lyka Brown enjoyed one of the tournament's most memorable campaigns, capturing the WH1 Women's Singles title before partnering Ijeoma Gift to secure another gold medal in the WH1 and WH2 Women's Doubles. Gift also stood atop the podium in the WH2 Women's Singles, completing a remarkable outing with two gold medals.
Emmanuel Ohaeri added to Nigeria's dominance in the wheelchair events by winning the WH2 Men's Singles. He later combined with Brown to clinch gold in the WH1 and WH2 Mixed Doubles, while also collecting a silver medal alongside Ekeoma Samuel in the WH1 and WH2 Men's Doubles.
Samuel rounded off his championship with two more silver medals, finishing runner-up in the WH1 Men's Singles and teaming up with Ijeoma Gift to claim silver in the WH1 and WH2 Mixed Doubles.
Nigeria's success was equally evident in the standing events, where the country's athletes continued their winning streak.
Obinna Nwosu secured gold in the SL3 Men's Singles, while fellow Nigerian Eze Chukwuebuka claimed silver in the same event. The pair later joined forces to win another silver medal in the SL3 and SU5 Men's Doubles.
Nnanna Chigozie added another individual title by winning the SL4 Men's Singles before partnering Chukwuebuka to capture gold in the SL3 and SU5 Men's Doubles. Eneojo Agada completed Nigeria's golden campaign with victory in the SU5 Men's Singles.
The commanding performance further reinforced confidence within the Badminton Federation of Nigeria as preparations continue for bigger international assignments.
President of the federation, Francis Orbih, described the team's latest achievement as further proof that Nigeria's para badminton athletes remain dependable ambassadors capable of consistently delivering medals for the country.
"The para badminton athletes have once again shown that the country can depend on them in terms of winning medals and making the country proud. This current board will continue to support the para athletes and ensure they get all the necessary support," Orbih said.
Looking ahead, he identified the Paralympic Games as the federation's major objective, expressing optimism about expanding Nigeria's representation at the global event.
"We want to qualify as many athletes as possible with the aim of making a huge mark following the exploits of Eniola Bolaji," he said.
Orbih also acknowledged the institutions whose support enabled the team's participation in Uganda. He thanked the Abia State Government for sponsoring six players, while recognising the Bayelsa State Government and the Police College Badminton Club, Lagos, for sponsoring one player each.
"I want to thank the Abia State Government for sponsoring six players, and Bayelsa State Government as well as Police College Badminton Club Lagos for footing the bills of one player each. The federation is ready to partner with them and many other organisations in the future," he said.
Beyond the medals, Nigeria's performance in Uganda reflected the steady progress of the country's para badminton programme and offered another encouraging reminder that Nigerian athletes continue to compete with distinction, positioning the nation strongly for future continental championships and the road to the Paralympic Games.
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