Ogbonna Wins Silver in Krasnodar, Secures 2027 World Para Athletics Qualification

KRASNODAR, RUSSIA: Nigeria’s para-athletics star, Emmanuel Okibe Ogbonna, has won a silver medal in the T47 long jump at the International Para Athletics Championship in Krasnodar, Russia.

Ogbonna produced an impressive 6.28-metre jump to finish second in the highly competitive event, while the Russian long-jump champion claimed the gold medal with a leap of 6.48 metres.

The Nigerian athlete’s performance has also earned him automatic qualification for the 2027 World Para Athletics Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, providing another major milestone in his international career.

President of the National Paralympic Committee Nigeria (NPC Nigeria), Mr Sunday Odebode, congratulated Ogbonna on the achievement, describing the result as an important step in Nigeria’s continued development of para athletics.

Odebode said the medal demonstrated the potential of Nigerian para-athletes on the international stage and commended Ogbonna for his determination, discipline and commitment to representing Nigeria.

He added that NPC Nigeria would continue to support athletes through international competitions as part of the Committee’s broader preparations for major championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

Ogbonna’s silver medal in Krasnodar adds to Nigeria’s growing presence in international para athletics and strengthens the country’s representation ahead of the 2027 World Para Athletics Championships.