Nigeria’s Paralympic bronze medallist, Eniola Bolaji, has won a gold medal in the women’s singles SL3 at the First Abia Para Badminton International Tournament.
Nigeria won three gold, four silver and nine bronze medals to occupy the fourth position at the finals of the historic event 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).
Also, Nigeria’s Jeremiah Nnanna, who is ranked first in Africa in the SL4 class outshined his compatriot, Yahaya Ayuba 2-0(21-9, 21-8) in men’s singles SL4, to win a gold medal.
Similarly, Mary Nathan clinched a gold medal for Nigeria against Brazil’s Juscileia Silva 2-1(5-21, 21-18, 21-17) in women’s singles WH1.
Nigeria’s silver medalists include Jeremiah Nnanna, Obinna Nwosu, Chinyere Okoro, Yahaya Ayuba and Ijeoma Chukwuemeka.
Brazil topped the medal lists with seven gold, three silver and five bronze, while India clinched the second position with six gold, five silver and 14 bronze.
Peru came third with six gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
A total of 114 players from 13 nations competed in 19 events that held from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5.
The nations include Brazil, India, Peru, Egypt, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Mauritius, Mozambique and host nation, Nigeria.
The medals were presented to the winners at the closing ceremony that was attended by Gov. Alex Otti of Abia.
The tournament will be followed by the All Africa Para Badminton Championship from Oct. 7 to Oct. 12 at the same venue.
