Nigeria’s para badminton team heading to Spain to compete in two major international tournaments has been urged by the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade to make the nation proud.

The tournaments offer the para badminton athletes with an opportunity to compete against the world’s best with the 2025 Spanish Level 2 International Para Badminton Championship holding in Victoria between March 4 and 9.

Five players that will compete in the singles category includes Eniola Mariam Bolaji (Women’s SL3 – Singles); Okoro Chinyere Lucky (Women’s SL4 -Singles);Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift (Women’s SL4 – Singles) ; Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday (Men’s SL3 – Singles) and Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah (Men’s SL4 – Singles).

Elsewhere, three players will participate in the Spanish International Level 1 Para Badminton Championship in Toledo, Madrid between March 12 and 16. They are Eniola Mariam Bolaji (Women’s SL3 – Singles); Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah (Men’s SL4 – Singles & Doubles) and Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday (Men’s SL3 – Singles & Doubles).

In addition to their individual events, Jeremiah and Eze will team up in the Men’s SL3-SL4 Doubles category, further strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the global para badminton circuit.

Olopade, in his message, emphasized the importance of these tournaments, stating that Nigerian para athletes have consistently demonstrated resilience and excellence on the world stage.

“This is another opportunity to showcase the immense talent that Nigeria possesses in para sports. I urge our players to stay focused, compete with determination, and continue to make the country proud. The NSC remains committed to supporting and elevating para sports in Nigeria,” he said.

He further highlighted the growing significance of para sports in Nigeria, stressing the need for increased investment, infrastructure, and grassroots development.

“Para athletes have shown time and again that they are just as capable of bringing glory to the nation as their able-bodied counterparts. We must ensure they have access to world-class training, exposure, and support systems. The NSC is committed to creating more opportunities for them to excel,” Olopade added.