The Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus N. Agu-Ejidike (JP), has commended Team Nigeria for their outstanding performance at the 2025 All Africa Para Badminton Championship, which concluded on Sunday in Umuahia, Abia State.
Chief Agu-Ejidike, in a chat with a cross-section of sports journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, described the team’s performance as “soul-lifting and inspiring,” especially coming at a time when Nigerian teams have faced tough outings in other sports.
Team Nigeria emerged dominant at the championship, finishing with a total of 36 medals — 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze — a feat the sports philanthropist said reflects the country’s enduring pedigree and dominance in African sports, particularly in racquet games like badminton.
According to the Anambra-born sports patron, the Para Badminton stars have once again proven that “there is ability in disability,” adding that their exploits have brought pride and joy to millions of Nigerians. He urged the athletes to remain steadfast and continue to “fly the nation’s flag with honour and dignity.”
The former President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) also praised the team’s coaches and officials for their resilience and commitment. He equally extended commendation to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and the National Sports Commission, under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, for providing the support structures that contributed to the team’s success.
Chief Agu-Ejidike, who is also the Patron of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club (NFSC), concluded by encouraging athletes across other sports to emulate the Para Badminton team’s spirit of excellence, discipline, and patriotism, and to continue projecting Nigeria positively on the global sporting stage.
