Badminton
ZUMA RULES CITYGATE INTERCLUBS BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP
BY BEN NWAKALOR.
Zuma Badminton Club, Suleja emerged the winners of the Citygate 2017 Badminton Championship at the Abuja National Stadium Package B.
The club, with two gold and two silver medals led all the others as the tourney came to a close amidst pomp and pageantry.
In becoming the overall winners of the second edition of the tournament, Zuma Club became the custodian of the Legacy Cup donated by Legacy Pension Limited.
Host club, Citygate Badminton Club, Abuja settled for the second position, winning a gold medal a silver and two bronze medals.
Multipurpose Badminton Club of Bauchi with medal-haul of a gold, silver and bronze placed third.
The highlight of the championship was the mixed doubles final that had the home duo of Muhammad “Ayo” Idris and Lola Ogunleye slug it out with Usman Afolabi and Jumoke Ahmed of Kwara Stadium Badminton Club.
In the keenly contested match the home pair emerged victorious. The men doubles final was won by the brothers – John and Francis Mella of Zuma Badminton Club Suleja.
The defending champion of the event, Maina Mohammed who incidentally is the Vice President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) had to pull out after the first round of games due to a back injury sustained by his partner.
Esther Daniel and Initorufa Tolu of Multipurpose Badminton Club, Bauchi, won the women doubles event.
The Special guest of the competition was Adesola Olusade, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youths and Sports.
Other dignitaries at the event were Francis Orbih, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) president, accompanied by his deputy, Maina Mohammed and Gabriel Gbayan, a board member and Chairman, FCT Badminton Association.
The President of the Shooting Federation of Nigeria Gen. Lonsdale Adeoye (rtd), Benjamin Abeh, Assistant Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Dr Nasir, Chairman Kebbi State Badminton Association, and Jibril Ibrahim Abubakar, Chairman ABCIN were also in attendance.
The Special guest of the competition Adesola Olusade, in his remark commended the organizers for putting together such an elaborate event, and highlighted some of the gains of the game of badminton and other sports as a form of healthy lifestyle.
He also stated the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung was committed to developing all sports in the country by providing good facilities, hence rehabilitation work on the Abuja National Stadium Facility will commence shortly.
The BFN President in his goodwill message appreciated the efforts of the CGBC as well as all other badminton clubs in helping to develop and promote the game of badminton as a sport that can be enjoyed by all.
He also spoke on plans by the BFN to host a national badminton festival next year that will require clubs to register players to compete in both active and veteran categories.
The organisers of the Championship also presented recognition awards to individuals and corporate bodies that have contributed to the growth of badminton.
Some of the awardees were Justice Danlami Senchi – President Badminton Confederation of Africa, Francis Orbih – President Badminton Federation of Nigeria, HRH Mai Abubakar Umar Suleiman OFR – Emir of Bade.
Others are Alhaji Saidu Uba Malami –Developments Chairman Solid Mineral Development Fund, Benjamin Abeh- ACG NigServices.com Services.
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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