Badminton
Team Nigeria Makes Mark But India, Sri Lanka Dominate Lagos International Badminton Classics
Team Nigeria put up impressive show at the third edition of the Lagos International Badminton Classics which ended colourfully on Saturday at the Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.
Although the traditional stronghold of badminton, Sri Lanka and India stole the show emerging as champions in most of the five categories, the emerging Nigerian players proved their mettle.
The pair of Zainab Momoh and Ramatu Yakubu fought gallantly to the final of the women’s doubles but lost to the Sri Lankan duo of Thilini Pramodika Hendahewa and Ishadika Kavidi in the final match. It was two straight win of 21-8, 21-5 for the Sri Lankans.
But the score lines speak little about the efforts of Zainab Momoh and Ramatu Yakubu who had faced very stiff oppositions on their way to the final. They beat the Ugandan duo of Bridget Shamim Bangi and Aisha Nakiyemba. The Nigerian pair had to come from behind to eventually win 14-21, 21-18 and 21-15.
Before then, they had beaten another Nigerian team of Asisat Ogunkambi and Felicia Omotola in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria’s badminton boss, Francis Orbih is undeterred that the Nigerians did not emerge winners. He remarked that the Nigerian team is still work in progress as his administration will embark on talent hunting, talent development and popularizing badminton to lift it from the realm of lesser-known sport.
He said that with assistance of the corporate organizations in Nigeria as well as those of governments and individuals, Nigeria will soon become a force to reckon with in international badminton circuits. He particularly praised the efforts of Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode who has lifted the Lagos International Classics since its inception.
He hopes to establish other competitions across the country even though the Lagos tournament will still remain the only international classics and the highest in Africa.
The dynamic way the tournament has become has seen that no individual has absolute dominance. Top seed and winner of the first edition, Misha Zilberman of Israel could not make it to the final match of the men’s singles as he was eliminated in the semi-finals by the eventual winner and fourth seed, Rahul Yadav Chittaboina of India who went ahead to beat compatriot, Karan Rajan Rajarajan 21-15, 21-13 in an entertaining final match.
The elimination of top seed and inaugural winner, Misha Zilberman was not the only upset of the Lagos International classics. Thilini Pramodika Hendahewa of Sri Lanka who was unseeded in the tournament emerged champion in the women’s category after a close victory over India’s Mugdha Agrey who was seeded fourth heading into the international challenge.
Lagos and Nigeria’s hopes in the men’s singles event, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, was eliminated in the quarter finals by arguably, the most impressive player thus far in the competition Chittaboboina who emerged the final winner.
The third day of the classics witnessed the highest degree of upset after top seed in the men singles category and former winner, Misha Zilberman, was knocked out by tournament fourth seeded Egyptian and Anuoluwapo’s nightmare, Chittaboboina in a thrilling three set encounter(21-13, 22-24, 21-14) to reach the final.
Some of the biggest highlights in the women’s category saw Nigeria’s top seed and tournament’s eighth seed, Dorcas Adesokan knocked out by Mugdha Agrey of India; 21-10, 19-21, 21-12 in a keenly contested three games.
Nigeria’s nearly dashing hopes in the competition bumped to live again in the female doubles and men doubles categories.
In the men doubles, the duo of Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Godwin Olofua ran away in a rather emphatic fashion in two straight sets, thrashing their Egyptian opposition, Abdelhakim and Ahmed Salah 21-10, 21-16 to progress to the finals—an unprecedented feat for the duo.
Also, in the female singles category, the impressive Nigerian pairing of Zainab Momoh and Ramatu Yakubu defeated Sri Lanka’s Hendahewa and Ishadika Kavidi in a nervy three set encounter—14-21, 21-18, 21-15.
In what was seemingly, one of the best come backs of the championship, the Nigerian women doubles duo fought back into the game in second set after losing the first set and then showing some class to pip their opposition from Sri Lanka; -1-2 in major scores.
For the second time, a Nigerian has been named the recipient of the Africa Women in Badminton Award (AWIBA), as Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji is the 2024 winner.
Before then, another Nigerian, Obiageli Solaja, won the 2019 edition, making the country the first to win twice and underlining the growth of badminton in the country.
The award is in recognition of outstanding achievements in badminton. For Bolaji, it is for her outstanding achievements and inspiring journey in para-badminton
The prestigious award was presented during the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) Annual General Meeting held on Thursday in China.
Receiving the award on her behalf, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, described the recognition as timely and well-deserved.
He commended Bolaji’s dedication and trailblazing accomplishments, noting her impact on the growth of para-badminton in Africa.
“I am extremely proud of Eniola Bolaji. This award reflects the BCA’s recognition of her remarkable progress,” Orbih said.
“As the first African to win a medal in badminton or para-badminton at the Olympics or Paralympics, I believe she is only just beginning to make her mark on the global stage.
“This award will not only motivate Eniola but also inspire a new generation of Nigerian and African para-badminton players. It shows that their efforts are being noticed and celebrated.”
Orbih also extended his appreciation to the new leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, for the way they have continuously demonstrated that there is a breath of fresh air in sports in Nigeria.
Looking ahead, Orbih highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to host two international para-badminton championships in Abia State this September/October.
“We are looking forward to delivering world-class events. This is an exciting moment for Nigerian badminton, and we intend to set a new benchmark,” he added.
Previous AWIBA Winners:
• 2018 – Gretha Prinsloo (South Africa)
• 2019 – Obiageli Solaja (Nigeria)
• 2020 – Hadia Hosny (Egypt)
• 2021 – Lynn Du Preez (Namibia)
• 2022 – Awatef Ghalloussi (Tunisia)
• 2023 – Harriet Semugabi (Uganda)
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Francis Orbih, president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, BFN, has remarked that he was very excited at the appointment of Musa Kida as the chairman of Nigeria’s state-owned oil company,.
In a release, the BFN heartily congratulated Kida, who also heads the Nigeria Basketball Federation, the NBBF.
“This appointment is a testament to your exemplary leadership, dedication, and vast experience in both the corporate and sports sectors”, Orbih remarked in a letter to Kida.
” Your commitment to excellence has been evident in your contributions to Nigerian basketball, and we have no doubt that you will bring the same level of passion, integrity, and vision to this critical national assignment.
“As you take on this new role, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria wishes you great success in steering NNPCL towards greater achievements for the benefit of our nation. We look forward to continued collaboration in the advancement of sports and national development. Once again, congratulations!”
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World number 2 player in Para badminton, Eniola Bolaji has solidified her dominance in para-badminton SL3 by winning her second gold medal in two weeks.
This time, she set an African record as the Paralympic bronze medallist triumphed over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) in the women’s final at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.
She began her campaign by defeating India’s Sanjana Kumari 2-0 (21-15, 21-8) in the second round, followed by a 2-0 (21-9, 21-12) win over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the third round.
The multiple-time African champion then dispatched Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba 2-0 (21-16, 21-4) in the semifinal.
An elated President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih praised Eniola Bolaji’s resilience and continued record-breaking achievements in para-badminton.
He highlighted her status as the only African player to win 12 gold medals in all internationals played.
Orbih said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Bolaji on her incredible achievement of winning her 12th gold medal in as many international tournaments.
“This remarkable feat is a testament to her consistency, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence.”
He continued, “Bolaji has not only made Nigeria proud but has also firmly stamped her authority in the world of para-badminton. Her journey continues to inspire many, and we at the Badminton Federation of Nigeria remain committed to supporting her as she reaches even greater heights.”
The Nigeria badminton supremo also expressed excitement about the upcoming All African Para Badminton/Abia international Para badminton Championships this year, which will provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich badminton culture. We thank Abia state government for accepting to host these two historic events.
He said, “It gives me joy that the giants of Africa in Para badminton will be hosting an international championship and the African championship in Nigeria. It will give us an avenue to further expose other potential champions to the world.”
Recall that Eniola Bolaji won a gold medal at the 2025 Spanish Para-Badminton International II in Vitoria last week.
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