By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos – A National Para-badminton player, Bello Oyebanji, on Thursday said that the country would likely produce world beaters in the sport if the athletes were well motivated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyebanji won two bronze medals at the just- concluded International Para-Badminton Championships which held from April 26 to April 30 in Kampala, Uganda.
Oyebanji told NAN in Lagos that the spot which was introduced in the country three years ago already had athletes that could represent the country in major competitions.
“Presently, developing the sport is quite challenging because Nigerians have yet to embrace para-badminton.
“Lots of work still needs to be done to move the sport forward and that is only possible if we get the right funding and technical support.
“The competition in Uganda was a major eye opener for us because those we competed against like the Indians and Europeans were more experienced due to their regular participation in competitions.
“So, if we can organise regular competitions back home and participate in international ones, Nigeria will soon be a force in para-badminton globally,’’ he said.