Badminton
Japan boost Badminton Federation of Nigeria
The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has received a boost of donation of 80 Rackets from the Nippon Badminton Association.
The presentation was made by the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi to the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the BFN, Francis Orbih.
The presentation was made at the Package B of Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The occasion was graced by the Nigeria Olympic Committee President, Habu Gumel; a representative of the Sports Ministry, Mrs.Okpara Thekela, an Assistant Director at the Ministry and some former members of the BFN board.
The Ambassador spoke so glowingly of the country despite being here in person only a month ago.
He spoke of the need for the two countries to partner towards the development of sports.
He also expressed his joy that his first official assignment has to do with sports, being a sportsman, a gymnast.
He went ahead to pay his respects to the deceased Para badminton champion, Bello Oyebanji and commended his ward, Eniola Mariam Abolaji, who won the first ever gold medal in any international Para badminton championship outside Africa by any African Para badminton player.
He expressed his anticipation of meeting the young Champion at the World Para badminton championship in Japan, come October.
There was an address by the representative of the Nippon Badminton Association where he read out a note by the Chairman. He promised to further support the development of the game in Nigeria as best as the Association could.
The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of BFN, Francis Orbih in his speech touched on the links of the two nations in badminton terms, stating that at the period that Japan is on top of World Badminton, Nigeria has qualified for the Olympics for the first time in 12 years and the first time ever to qualify for Men’s Doubles at the Olympics.
He also pointed out a number of incidents, like the Yonex Japan’s pledge to kit the Nigeria Team at the Olympics after a good performance at the 2021 Yonex All England championship.
On the whole, he called for further mutually beneficial partnerships between the two countries. He finally expressed his profound gratitude for the kind gesture by the Nippon Badminton Association, Japan.
After the handover of the Rackets by the Ambassador, there was a brief and interesting moment of First Racket Performance, where the Ambassador “played” against the Caretaker Chairman for a few minutes to a loud applause by the officials and players present.
There was a lengthy session of photos where the Ambassador, the Chairman, the NOC President and the Ministry Representative opened the floor and others followed.
Thereafter, the President of the NOC, Habu Gumel went on to give a speech in which he extolled the virtues and efforts of the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee who is also the immediate past President of the federation, praying for him to continue the good work he has been doing for the game.
In all, the event was a huge success with the Ambassador turning everyone’s friend with his outright friendly nature.
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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