Sports
Nigeria Wins 13 Medals At African Badminton Championship
Nigeria won a total of 13 medals at the just-concluded All Africa Para-Badminton Championship held at the MTN Arena, Lugogo stadium, Kampala, Uganda.
The athletes won eight gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
Nnanna Chigozie and Eniola Bolaji won three gold medals respectively to replicate their performance at the Uganda International Para-Badminton Championship held at the same venue last week.
The duo edged Mohammed Ismail and Martha Cheve 21-8, 21-5(2-0) to clinch gold in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5.
In the women’s doubles SL3-SU5 final, Eniola paired Okoro Chiyere to beat the Ugandan pair of Sumini Mutesi and Rose Nansereko in two straight sets, 21-5, 21-8.
Eniola also defeated Uganda’s Elizabeth Mwesigwa in two straight sets (21-9, 21-4) in the women’s singles SL3, while Chinyere Okoro beat Morenike Oloutou of Benin Republic 21-11, 19-21, 21-16 (2-1) in the final of the women’s singles SL4+SU5.
Chigozie emerged winner in the men’s singles SL4 final after he defeated Uganda’s Hassan Muniru in two straight sets 21-14, 21-5.
Also, Olanipekun and Akpan James won another gold for Nigeria in the men’s doubles SL3-SL4, beating Muniru and David Mukisa 21-9, 21-9.
In the women’s singles WH2 final, Ijeoma Gift lost 21-14, 21-10 to Shaimaa Abdelatif from Egypt, while it was an all Nigerian affair in the SL3 men’s singles final as Chukwuebuka Eze defeated Olanipekun 21-19, 14-21, 21-17.
Chigozie and Bolaji also won gold in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5, with Okoro Chinyere also clinching gold in the women’s singles SL4+SU5 combine.
In the men’s SL3-SL4 doubles, Olanipekun and Eze won gold for Nigeria. Eze also paired with Chigozie to pick gold in the SU5 men’s doubles.
In other results, Gift Ijeoma won silver in the women’s singles WH2, just as Ohaeri Emmanuel in the men’s singles WH2.
In the mixed doubles WH1-2, Emmanuel and Sylvia Nakenda won bronze.
Speaking on the success recorded by the Nigerian team, President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised the Federal Government for the support given to the federation, which he said enabled the country’s contingent to participate in both the international and continental tournaments
.”The federation is determined to ensure that Nigeria continues to present quality representation at all competitions,” Orbih said.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.