Nigeria’s Bello Oyebanji and Ijeoma Chukwuemeka both put up excellent performances on the opening day of the Uganda Para Badminton International 2018.
Oyebanji in the Men’s Singles SL 4 event fought back tenaciously to triumph over India’s Indrajit Pal.
The determined Kwara born player battled past his Indian rival, 17-21 21-17 21-19, in 46 minutes inside MTN Arena in Lugogo.
Oyebanji, who’s ranked number one, is keen on upgrading the two bronze medals he won a year ago.
Meanwhile, in Women’s Singles SL 3, Gift Ijeoma Chukwuemeka of Nigeria swept her three group matches in straight games, while Cristance Moffouo of Cameroon battled to victory over Ghana’s Naomi Sarpong (22-20 17-21 21-17) and No.2 seed Rose Nansereko of Uganda (21-6 20-22 21-11).
The President of Nigeria Para Badminton Federation (NPBF), Samuel Ekeoma expressed delight over the performance of Bello Oyebanji and other Nigerians in the event.
He told aclsports.com that the Abia state Governor’s wife sponsored seven (7) players, while Kaduna state government sponsored one player.
“I’m happy the country is represented at the Uganda tournament. Last year, we missed an international event in Asia which could have increased the ranking of some of the players”, he said.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank the wife of Abia state governor, for believing in us. She donated equipments for some of the players last year and she also made it possible for us to attend this tournament too”, Ekeoma added.
According to him, five Nigeria players scaled through in their various group stage matches of Single events.
