Samuel Ekeoma, National Coordinator of the Nigeria Para-Badminton Federation, on Thursday said lack of funds could affect the country’s participation in the upcoming World Championship in Switzerland.
Ekoma told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the World Para-Badminton Championships would hold from Aug. 20 to Aug. 26 in Switzerland.
He said seven athletes had qualified to participate in the competition which would serve as a major prerequisite to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
“This forthcoming championship is a major competition in the Para badminton calendar, and for the first time, seven of our athletes have qualified to participate in the event.
“Taking part in the event will boost the country’s chances of winning more medals in the 2020 Paralympics.
“We are yet to get any fund that will enable our athletes to be part of the competition, and if the athletes failed to participate it will dash our hopes of participating in the Paralympics.
“We need all the necessary support we can get to be in Switzerland and be part of the World Championship,’’ Ekoma said.
He appealed to the sports ministry, private bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to help fund the athletes’ participation in the event.
