Badminton
Olympian, Oby Solaja, donates badminton equipment to Anambra Sports Commission for grassroot programs
BY IKENNA NWOKEDI
African Champion and Olympian, Oby Edoga Solaja as part of her contribution towards the promotion and development of the game in the state and geopolitical zone on Tuesday donated badminton equipment to the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC).
The donation which was received by the Chairman, Directors and officers of the sports commission saw Nigeria’s first badminton player to feature at the Olympic Games donating 30 rackets, four shuttle tubes and four badminton nets for the growth of the game at the post-primary school level.
In her remarks, Oby Solaja stated her delight to give back to the state where she was discovered and nurtured to the big stage which metamorphosed into representing the old Anambra State at the National Sports Festival where she won gold and silver medals for the state and in furtherance became African Champion as well as playing at the biggest stage in sports, the Olympic Games.
Solaja stated that the game of badminton gave her the platform and leverage to nurse a career, represent the state and play the role of an ambassador at the global stage.
She disclosed that her aim is to discover talent, age bracket of 8 to 15 years, ensure that they have a solid background, encourage sustainability and continuity from Junior to intermediate and to the senior level.
She called on the ASSDC to empower the state coach, Chidi Onwe and other young enthusiastic tutors toward raising the next generation of stars in the state and beyond.
In his reaction, the Chairman ASSDC, Hon. Tony Oli, commended the former Nigerian champion and Olympian for her exploits, benevolence and philanthropic gesture.
Oli posited that badminton is one sports the commission pays attention to and that the commission is living up to the name in sports development as evidently seen in national sporting programs such as the National Sports Festival and National Youth Games.
The Aguleri-born banker turned sports administrator stated that the game of badminton will be projected via choosing schools from each of the Senatorial zones for the pilot project.
He concluded that the ASSDC will support Solaja’s quest to occupy a position in the aftermath of the elections into the board of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.
Oby Edoga Solaja was discovered in old Anambra State in 1977 and was nurtured by retired Coach Unyanwa.
She represented the state at Kaduna ’77, Oluoye ’79 and Edo ’81 National Sports Festivals.
Solaja represented the nation at the All Africa Junior Championship in Mozambique and later became the National Women Champion from 1986 to 1996, and African Champion until her retirement after Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.
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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