One time African Para Badminton Champion, Chigozie Nnanna said qualifying for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games stands as the happiest moment of his life.
Nnanna told www.aclsports.com that his journey from his humble beginnings to reaching the global stage is one of perseverance, hard work, and passion.
Despite his achievements, Nnanna admits that he was disappointed not to secure the gold in men’s singles in 2024, which has only fueled his resolve to push harder in training.
He said, “Qualifying for the Paris 2024 Paralympics was the best thing that ever happened to me in my sporting career. It was the happiest moment of my life. It felt like a dream come true to represent my country and state on the global stage.
“In 2023, I won 3 gold and one bronze medals at the All Africa Para Badminton Championships and Uganda International Para Badminton Championships.
“Following this exploit, I trained harder and in the following year, I secured 1 gold medal in the mixed doubles, 1 silver in the men’s singles and 1 bronze medal in the men’s doubles at the 2024 Egypt Para Badminton International. I felt bad not securing a gold medal in the men’s singles event but I know 2025 will be better”, he added.
Nnanna revealed that he was first discovered by Late Coach Bello Oyebanji.
He said, “Coach Bello Oyebanji introduced me to para badminton, and from that moment, I was hooked.
“He taught me everything about the sport, and with his guidance, I won my first national medal (a bronze) in 2016 at the tournament in Abia.”
Over the years, Nnanna continued to train tirelessly, steadily climbing the ranks in the para badminton world.
The Olympian said attending a series of international tournaments as well as support of his community will make him excel in 2025.
“To perform at my best in 2025, I need the opportunity to attend international tournaments and training camps. But most importantly, we need the support of our community. Together, we can make history.
“I want to thank the Governor of Abia State, Sir Alex Otti; the President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih as well as the coordinator of Para Badminton in Nigeria, Samuel Ekeoma for their unwavering support”.
