President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has praised Eniola Bolaji’s triumph at the 2025 British and Irish Para Badminton International, calling it a shining example of hard work, perseverance, and steady growth.

Bolaji, currently ranked world No. 2, stunned world No. 1 and Paralympic champion Qonitah Syakuroh in a thrilling 2-1 victory (21-16, 16-21, 21-13) in the women’s SL3 final held on Saturday, July 26, at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.

An elated Orbih described the win as particularly sweet, noting that Bolaji had previously lost to Syakuroh in the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“I am excited with this victory because she just defeated the world number one, whom she lost to in the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,” Orbih said. “Bolaji has shown significant improvement, and we hope she maintains this momentum heading into the next Paralympic Games.”

The BFN President added that Bolaji’s success is a source of pride not only for Nigeria but also for Africa as a whole.

“BFN, the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), and the National Sports Commission are proud of her continuous efforts in putting Nigeria and Africa on the global badminton map,” he stated.

Bolaji’s win in Cardiff marks the biggest international title of her career so far and reinforces her status as a rising star in para badminton.

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BY SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Host state Abia emerged as the overall winners of the 5th edition of the Para-Badminton Open Championship. The event concluded on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, the state capital.

Abia’s para-badminton team finished top of the medal table. They achieved an impressive haul of 17 medals—5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze. This reflects a strong all-round performance across the categories.

Plateau State placed second with a total of eight medals (4 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze), while Ogun State took third position with five medals (3 gold, 2 bronze).

Kwara State finished fourth with 3 gold medals, and Imo State rounded out the top five with a total of 9 medals (1 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze).

Other notable performers included Rivers State (6th place) with 3 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze); Kebbi State (7th) with 1 gold and 1 silver; Delta State (8th) with 1 gold; Akwa Ibom (9th) with 2 silver medals; and Bayelsa (10th) with 5 medals (1 silver, 4 bronze).

Lagos placed 11th with 1 silver and 1 bronze, followed by Anambra (12th) with 1 silver, Taraba (13th) with 1 bronze, while Ebonyi State finished at the bottom of the medal table without a podium finish.

Declaring the championship officially closed, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Okey Kanu, praised the athletes and organisers. “This event has not only showcased talent, resilience, and sportsmanship, but also served as a powerful reminder of the strength in inclusivity, unity, and determination,” he said.

Governor Otti applauded the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, the Local Organising Committee, the State Badminton Association, and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for a successful outing, urging the athletes to view themselves as national heroes.

Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development,  Nwaobilor Ananaba, Chairman of the State Badminton Association, Abel Sunday, and the National Coordinator for Para-Badminton, Samuel Ekeoma, expressed gratitude to the governor for his “visionary investment” in youth and sports development.

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, and the Director of Para-Sports at the National Sports Commission, Mrs. Thecla Opara, also lauded the Abia State government for its unwavering support for athletes, particularly those living with disabilities.

The closing ceremony featured a high-profile star match, where Olympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji teamed up with Ayuba Yahaya to defeat Odinakachi Uwalaka and James Akpan in the SL3 final.

Dignitaries and partners, including representatives from the Abia State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups, were also in attendance.

The tournament, which served off on Monday, July 14, concluded on Thursday with medal and certificate presentations.

Meanwhile, Abia State will remain in the para-badminton spotlight as it prepares to host the 1st Abia Para-Badminton International Championship from September 30 to October 5, 2025, followed immediately by the All Africa Para-Badminton Championship from October 6 to 12, 2025.

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As the curtain prepares to fall on the Abia National Open Para-Badminton Championship, athletes participating in the weeklong competition have praised the organisers and host state for delivering a world-class experience ahead of today’s grand finale at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

Top players, including 23-year-old Olympian Nnanna Jeremiah, who represents Abia State in the SL4 Men’s Singles and Doubles events, commended the championship for meeting international standards.

Speaking to sports journalists, the multiple award-winning and Africa’s top-ranked SL4 player described the tournament as “a valuable and high-quality platform” for athletes preparing for upcoming international competitions.

“I’m physically and mentally ready for my final match,” said Jeremiah. “The level of competition and the standard of facilities are impressive.

“I appreciate the Local Organizing Committee and fellow competitors for providing this opportunity to sharpen our game ahead of global events.”

Also sharing their experiences were 16-year-old debutant Japhet Unana and Mary Nathan, both representing Plateau State in the SL4 Men’s Singles and WH1 Women’s Singles, respectively.

They praised the organisers for a smooth and inclusive tournament, especially highlighting the availability of wheelchair-accessible ramps, toilets, and seating.

“It’s one of the few events where I didn’t struggle with access,” said Unana. “Everything was properly planned — from logistics to the quality of the courts.”

In the competition so far, several champions have emerged. Leading the medal chart is world number three para-badminton star Eniola Bolaji Mariam of Kwara State, who clinched gold in the Women’s Singles SL3.

Oriemezie Joy of Imo State took silver, while Odilaka Uwalaka (Abia) and Anna Nyam (Plateau) shared bronze.

In the Women’s Doubles SL3, Joy Ozioma (Rivers) and Oriemezie Joy (Imo) teamed up to win gold.

Duru Goodness Chinasa and Ogechi Onyenso, both from Imo, earned silver, while Amarachi Precious Eziuka and Blessing Iroanya of Abia picked up bronze.

More winners from the final matches are expected to be confirmed ahead of the official closing ceremony, scheduled to begin by 1:00 p.m. today, Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Officials from the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), led by President Francis Orbih, have already arrived in Umuahia for the occasion.

According to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, will personally attend the ceremony, present medals and prizes, and officially declare the championship closed.

The Abia Para-Badminton Championship continues to set new benchmarks for inclusive sports development in Nigeria.

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