Nigerian disabled badminton player, Bello Oyebanji Abdulrafiu, has promised to embarrass the nation with medals in his chosen event if given the financial support to excel at the international scene with his eyes set to be the next world disabled champion.

Speaking in an interview in Ilorin, the Kwara State born athlete said, "My philosophy is to use what I have to surpass what I lack as in my disability. That is why my strokes, smashing and drop-shots are my strength to cover my disability when playing the abled athletes that I have had to train with over the years."

On how he feels seeing the abled athletes, he said, "I do not see myself as a disabled athlete when I compete with the abled athletes. This has helped my game tremendously. You know that badminton is more of a cerebral game. Though, my abled-bodied opponents only need to exploit my disability to win games against me. That has prepared me so much to be able to compete against fellow disabled athletes if I have the opportunity."

He spoke at the debut of a N2.5million fund on his behalf by renown sports company, Goldenwing33 Nigeria Limited that, "presently, there is a circuit for disabled badminton abroad which I know that I am very ripe for. I need minimal financial support to compete there and make headway for my nation and myself. My ambition is to do better in regions that my fellow abled bodied have not been able to conquer. I want to be the next world disabled badminton champion"

Recalling the championships he had played in since he started the game in 2000, the 58 Kg, 1.8m tall player added, "I had played in the Peter Ogar Kwara Closed Tournament for Under-19 players where I won a bronze medal. I played the National Under-19 where I lost in the third round. In 2005, I played in the 25th Okin Biscuits Anniversary Championships where I lost in the third round of the senior category and lost in the doubles in the semi-final."

Bello wants 25,000 individuals who can give him one thousand Naira each with which to prosecute the World Championship plans of his. "I need N2.5million to facilitate me and a coach from the Kwara State Sports Council on the trip. Presently, I am missing out of the Sevilla Championship in Spain but I want to plan for the next disabled championship."

Asked why he is not approaching the Kwara State government, he said, "my managers, Goldenwing33 Nigeria Limited, who are incidentally the Investment Consultants to Kwara United FC of Ilorin want to put in their efforts and where the need arises to make up the needed balance then, we can approach the government to support us."

He is the second child of his parents, son a petty trader mother. He is 26 years of age. According to him, we have made contacts with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) that is waiting in the flanks to facilitate every plan for me to excel the court is in the heart of those who can be of value to my course by giving me their widow’s mite. Bello has a diploma in Physical and Health Education from the University of Ilorin.