By Sports Recorder
UMUAHIA, As the curtain prepares to fall on the 5th Abia National Para-Badminton Championship, all eyes are on Akwa Ibom’s James Thompson Akpan, whose impressive performance has placed him among the tournament’s standout stars.
Akpan, a 29-year-old Paralympian and Africa’s top-ranked SL4 player, clinched two silver medals, one in the mixed doubles SL4/SL3 category and another in the men’s doubles event setting the stage for a potential third medal as he gears up for the men’s singles final last Thursday, July 17, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
“The quality of this championship matches international standards,” said Akpan in an interview with Sports Recorder. “It’s been a refreshing challenge and great preparation for global tournaments. I’m grateful to the organizers, my fellow athletes, and especially the people and government of Akwa Ibom State for their constant support.”
Joining Akpan in the spotlight is 16-year-old Japhet Unana of Plateau State, the youngest male para-athlete at the tournament. Competing in the SL4 singles, Unana and fellow Plateau teammate Mary Nathan, competing in the women’s SL4 category, praised the organizers for providing world-class facilities that meet international accessibility standards.
“This is one of the few times we didn’t struggle for access. The ramps, toilets, and seating arrangements have made this event not just inclusive but enjoyable,” they said.
In the women’s events, world number 3 Eniola Bolaji Mariam of Kwara State dominated the SL3 women’s singles, taking home gold. Imo’s Oriemezie Joy won silver, while Odilaka Uwalaka (Abia) and Anna Nyam (Plateau) settled for bronze.
In the women’s doubles SL3, Rivers’ Joy Ozioma teamed up with Oriemezie Joy of Imo to seize gold, while Imo’s Duru Goodness Chinasa and Ogechi Onyenso earned silver. Abia’s duo Amarachi Precious Eziuka and Blessing Iroanya bagged the bronze.
The grand finale of the championship, which began earlier this month, ended on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with top officials from the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), including President Mr. Francis Orbih, already in Umuahia for the closing ceremony.
According to the Local Organizing Committee, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti will grace the occasion, presenting medals and prizes to winners and officially declaring the event closed.
As the championship nears its climax, the achievements of athletes like James Akpan reaffirm Nigeria’s growing strength in para-badminton and spotlight the need for continued investment in inclusive sports development nationwide.
