Breaking Barriers: Yahaya Ayuba's Journey in Para-Badminton

By Gabriel Paul Oluwatomisin 

Sports has gradually become an emotion and a lifestyle, not just an activity performed during leisure.

From the viewing centers that roar with the emotions of ardent supporters, to the sheer joy exhibited when an athlete runs a mile and grabs the first position—emotions and sports are truly intertwined.

For some people, it's a means of making money, as we see in the world of football and how much each competition generates. For others, it’s about inclusivity, with dedicated men's sports, women's sports, and even children getting involved.

But for a select few, it means embracing a mindset that defies the odds, shattering barriers, and creating a truly 'wow' effect through sheer will.

Today, I give a short but strong story of one of those individuals who embodies the core of our topic: someone who has achieved the incredible despite significant physical challenges, proving what happens ‘When Disability Meets a Resilient Mind.’

Yahaya Ayuba, a determined 300-level student in Human Kinetics at the University of Ilorin, is an exceptional para-badminton player whose journey exemplifies resilience and purpose. Hailing from Kwara state, Ilorin, Ayuba competes in the SL4 classification, a category for athletes with lower limb impairment due to the specific shortening of his left leg. From an early age, he embraced the personal challenge posed by his condition, driven by a profound belief that "disability is not inability". Sports provided him with a sense of purpose, discipline, and confidence that transformed his life's trajectory, moving beyond just a leisure activity to become a lifestyle and a platform to inspire others.

A photo of Yahaya Ayuba at the Abia international competition. (Photo credit:Ayuba)

Ayuba’s athletic career is decorated with a series of significant achievements that speak volumes about his dedication and skill. His success story began in 2023 at the National Para Games in Abuja, where he secured a coveted gold medal in singles and a bronze in mixed doubles. The momentum continued into 2025 at the Abia National Games, where he delivered a commanding performance, achieving a clean sweep with two gold medals. Transitioning to the international stage for the first time at the 1st Abia International tournament, he earned a respectable silver medal. He wrapped up the 1st West African Zone A&B Para Games 2025 by adding two more silver medals to his collection. A pivotal "wow" moment in his journey was when he won two gold medals at the Para Badminton National Trials, officially earning his spot on the Nigerian National Team, a clear turning point where his ability finally spoke louder than his disability. In sports, he draws inspiration from role models like Bolaji Eniola Mariam, the world number two in para-badminton, with whom he also trains.

Ayuba with his Gold medals at the Para Badminton National Trials ( Photo Credit: Ayuba)

Despite his success, the path was laden with considerable barriers. Ayuba faced significant challenges regarding lack of recognition and support in the early stages of his career. Equipment wasn’t always available or suitable, and securing sponsorship or basic support like kits and transport was a constant struggle. He often felt overlooked as a para-athlete, pushing against a system that wasn’t ready for him. Attitudinal barriers were also present, with some people looking surprised when they saw him training hard, or underestimating his capabilities on the court. Within the university environment, while he notes a growing awareness of disability inclusion and some personal support from staff, accessibility remains a major issue as many buildings still lack essential features like ramps, elevators, or accessible toilets. Furthermore, the absence of a structured sports program specifically tailored for students with disabilities means most must train and push through on their personal effort. Ayuba is also a student meaning he tries to manage the challenging balance between his demanding academic schedule and sports commitments through strict discipline and careful time management, sometimes sacrificing a tournament for an exam or missing a lecture for a competition.

Mr AYUBA in action at the 1st West African Zone A&B Para Games 2025. (Photo Credit: Ayuba)

Looking ahead, Ayuba’s future plans are driven by both purpose and passion. He aims to continue representing Nigeria on international stages, winning medals and raising the national flag high. Beyond the court, he aspires to mentor upcoming para-athletes, especially those in schools, to show them that greatness is possible regardless of challenges. Utilizing his background in Human Kinetics, he plans to become a certified coach or sports therapist, focusing on inclusive training and rehabilitation. His ultimate goal is to advocate for better sports development policies for persons with disabilities in Nigeria and eventually establish an academy or foundation that nurtures talents and helps break barriers for future generations. For Ayuba, graduation is not the finish line, but the launchpad for a purposeful life.