Nigeria Para Badminton players return home with 19 medals
Nigeria representatives at the just-concluded Uganda Para-Badminton International Championships and Africa Para-Badminton Championships in Kampala yesterday arrived the country with 19 medals.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the country won seven gold and five silver in the Africa championships that held from April 30 to May 4.
While the players clinched one gold, three silver and three bronze at the Uganda international competition.
Oyebanji Bello, who won six medals in the two competitions, said on arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos that he was delighted with the country’s impressive outing.
Bello commended the wife of Abia Governor, Nkechi Ikpeazu for her support, adding that the country would have missed the two competitions if not for her financial support.
“This achievement is massive for us as players and we are proud to represent the country well in the two championships.
“Our successful outing was made possible by God and the Abia State Governor’s wife for her timely support in ensuring their participation.
“We want other states government and the sports ministry to support the growth of the sport,” he said.
Muhammad Maina, Vicepresident of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), who arrived with the team told NAN that it was a commendable feat for the players.
Maina said the federation would continue to support the development of Para-Badminton in the country.
“I was in Uganda and witnessed how the Nigeria National Anthem was repeatedly played because of the number of medals won by our athletes.
“The Badminton federation will continue to promote the sport in the country and I want to thank Abia and Kaduna states government for contributing to the sport,” he said.
NAN reports that six athletes represented Nigeria in the two championships.