Nigeria's Nnanna Leads Gold Rush at Uganda Para Badminton Championship

Nigeria Dominates Uganda Para Badminton International 2026

Nigeria solidified its status as a premier force in African para badminton by securing 14 medals at the 2026 Uganda Para Badminton International, held at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala from July 7–12, 2026. The Nigerian contingent, consisting of 11 athletes, claimed nine gold and five silver medals, showcasing depth across both wheelchair and standing disability classifications.

African champion Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna led the charge in the standing categories, marking a successful return to competition following his semifinal appearance at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships in Manama earlier this year. Nnanna secured gold in the SL4 men’s singles and teamed up with Chukwuebuka Sunday Eze to win the SL3-SU5 men’s doubles title. Further success in the standing categories included Obinna Precious Nwosu, who won gold in the SL3 men’s singles, and Eneojo Elijah Agada, who captured gold in the SU5 men’s singles.

The Nigerian wheelchair team was equally formidable. Lyka Brown claimed gold in the WH1 women’s singles and partnered with Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift to win the WH1/WH2 women’s doubles. Chukwuemeka also secured gold in the WH2 women’s singles. Emmanuel Ifeanacho Ohaeri took gold in the WH2 men’s singles and combined with Brown to win the WH1/WH2 mixed doubles.

Nigeria Dominates Uganda Para Badminton International 2026 — Photo: Kawowo Sports

Tournament Challenges and Reduced Participation

The 2026 championship took place amid significant logistical hurdles. This reduction was primarily attributed to concerns regarding an Ebola outbreak in Uganda. Despite the lower turnout, officials emphasized the importance of the event. William Blick, an IOC member and Uganda sports administrator, praised the organizers for maintaining the event on the international calendar. “This shows the world that Uganda is still safe,” Blick remarked during the opening ceremony. Badminton Uganda CEO Simon Mugabi confirmed that the tournament proceeded as scheduled despite the late withdrawals of several nations, including India.

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Local Performances and Regional Growth

Host nation Uganda fielded the largest contingent with 24 players. The home crowd saw several notable performances, including the mixed doubles victory by Julius Obura and Harriet Nakayima, and the success of Hassan Mubiru and Resty Nangobi Kalebe in the SL3-SU5 mixed doubles. Additionally, Brian Mugabe partnered with Rwanda’s Jean D’Amour Ndahiro to win the WH1-WH2 men’s doubles.

Summary of Nigerian Medalists

Future Outlook and Support

Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), hailed the team’s performance as a boost to the nation’s profile. Orbih emphasized that the federation’s primary target is qualifying athletes for the Paralympic Games, building upon the previous achievements of Eniola Bolaji.

The participation of the Nigerian team was supported by various sponsors, including the Abia State Government, the Bayelsa State Government, and the Police College Badminton Club in Lagos. Beyond the competitive matches, the Uganda International also hosted an international development course, reinforcing the country’s role in fostering para badminton programs across the African continent.

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