By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria has won 14 medals at the Badminton International Championship, returning home with an impressive haul of nine gold and five silver medals to underline the country’s growing dominance in African para badminton.
The championship, held from July 7 to 12, 2026 in Uganda, saw Nigerian athletes excel across the wheelchair and standing categories, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a rising powerhouse ahead of major continental and global competitions.
Leading the medal charge was Lyka Brown, who won gold in the WH1 Women’s Singles before teaming up with Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift to clinch another gold in the WH1 & WH2 Women’s Doubles. Chukwuemeka also emerged champion in the WH2 Women’s Singles.
In the men’s wheelchair events, Emmanuel Ifeanacho Ohaeri captured gold in the WH2 Men’s Singles and partnered Brown to secure gold in the WH1 & WH2 Mixed Doubles. Ohaeri also combined with Ekeoma Samuel to win silver in the WH1 & WH2 Men’s Doubles, while Samuel added another silver in the WH1 Men’s Singles and teamed up with Chukwuemeka for silver in the WH1 & WH2 Mixed Doubles.
Nigeria’s dominance extended to the standing categories, where Obinna Precious Nwosu won gold in the SL3 Men’s Singles, with Eze Sunday Chukwuebuka claiming silver in the same event. Nnanna Jeremiah Chigozie secured gold in the SL4 Men’s Singles before joining Eze to win gold in the SL3 & SU5 Men’s Doubles.
In the SU5 class, Eneojo Elijah Agada struck gold in the singles event and later teamed up with Obinna Precious Nwosu to earn silver in the SL3–SU5 Men’s Doubles.
Reacting to the team’s remarkable outing, Badminton Federation of Nigeria President Francis Orbih praised the athletes for once again proving Nigeria’s strength in para badminton.
“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. Our target is the Paralympic Games. We want to qualify as many athletes as possible with the aim of making a huge mark following the exploit of Eniola Bolaji.”
Orbih also acknowledged the contributions of the Abia State Government, Bayelsa State Government, and Police College Badminton Club, Lagos, for supporting the athletes’ participation.
“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 sponsoring one player each. The Federation is ready to partner with them and many other organisations in the future.”
Nigeria’s impressive medal haul further strengthens the country’s preparations for upcoming international competitions, with the federation now shifting its focus to securing more qualification spots for the next Paralympic Games.
