By Leonard Okachie
Nigeria’s Paralympic bronze medallist, Eniola Bolaji, has clinched gold in the women’s singles SL3 at the First Abia Para Badminton International Tournament.
Nigeria secured three gold, four silver, and nine bronze medals to finish fourth at the finals held on Sunday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
Bolaji, ranked second globally in the SL3 category by the Para World Badminton Federation, defeated Cameroon’s Danyele Mouafo 2–0 (21–7, 21–3).
Nigeria’s Jeremiah Nnanna, Africa’s top-ranked player in the SL4 class, outshone compatriot Yahaya Ayuba 2–0 (21–9, 21–8) in the men’s singles SL4 to win gold.
Similarly, Mary Nathan claimed gold for Nigeria after defeating Brazil’s Juscileia Silva 2–1 (5–21, 21–18, 21–17) in the women’s singles WH1 event.
Nigeria’s silver medallists include Jeremiah Nnanna, Obinna Nwosu, Chinyere Okoro, Yahaya Ayuba, and Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, who all performed creditably in their categories.
Brazil topped the medal table with seven gold, three silver, and five bronze medals, while India placed second with six gold, five silver, and 14 bronze.
Peru finished third with six gold, three silver, and two bronze medals, leaving Nigeria in a commendable fourth position overall.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 114 players from 13 nations competed in 19 events between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5.
Participating countries included Brazil, India, Peru, Egypt, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Mauritius, Benin and hosts Nigeria.
Medals were presented at the closing ceremony attended by the Governor of Abia, Dr Alex Otti, who praised the athletes’ resilience and sportsmanship.
The tournament will be followed by the All Africa Para Badminton Championship, scheduled to hold from Oct. 7 to Oct. 12 at the same venue. (NAN)
