Badminton
Badminton: Federation to promote game at grassroot – BFN President
The President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, BFN, Mr. Francis Orbih has restated the determination and commitment of the Federation to promote the game at all levels just as the current Nigeria number one Men’s Singles Badminton player and reigning African Champion, Anuoluwapo Opeyori clinched the coveted fourth Edition of the Mutual Benefits National Badminton Championship held in Lagos.
Orbih who stated this in his message at the closing ceremony of the Championship said the Federation would not relent in taking the game to high level, especially at the grassroot.
The BFN President appreciated the sponsor and co-sponsor of the event, Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC and GIG Group as “steadfast pillars of support for badminton in Nigeria”.
He commended the players “…on your dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to the sport.”
Orbih described the overall turnout as quite impressive and the morale of the players high and the quality of play commendable.
Highlights of the closing ceremony was the demonstration of support for the game and players of Badminton in Nigeria as the Executive Director, Technical, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc gifted Anuoluwapo Opeyori, the current Nigeria No 1 Men’s Singles player and reigning African Champion, a Personnel Accident Insurance to the tune of N5 Million which covers injuries, medical expenses, permanent disability and even death (which is not prayed for).
In all, five events of the championship were decided as Anuoluwapo Opeyori of Lagos defeated Victor Ikechukwu (Rivers) 22 – 20; 19 – 21; 21 – 17 to win the Men’s Singles Final and also emerge winner of 3 out of the 4 editions of the championship.
To reach the finals, Anuoluwapo Opeyori defeated Ibrahim Ahmed (Bauchi) 21 – 18; 21 – 16 while Victor Ikechukwu sent out Aliyu Shehu (Niger) 21 – 10; 21 – 17.
The Finals of the Men’s Doubles saw a repeat of the Men’s Singles between Lagos and Rivers States as Lagos emerged victorious when the pairs of Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Daniel Christopher defeated Victor Ikechukwu and Emmanuel Joseph at 14 – 21; 21 – 19; 21 – 18.
The finalists had earlier defeated Abdullahi Bala and Mubarak Salisu (Yobe) at 21 – 19; 21 – 12 and AbdulMalik Baba Ibrahim and Yinusa Momoh (FCT) at 21 – 13; 21 – 17 in the Men’s Doubles category Semi-Finals.
In the Women’s Singles final, it was all an Edo State affairs as the runner-up of the last Edition, Ruth Ebere defeated Deborah Ukeh 21-16; 21–19 to emerge winner of the 4th edition.
Ruth Ebere edged out the former national and African champion, Adesokan Dorcas at 21 – 9; 21 – 19 semi final while Deborah Ukeh defeated Sofiat Obanisola at 21 – 9; 21 – 14 to book a place in the Finals.
In the Women’s doubles Semi-Finals, Grace Gabriel & Ramatu Yakubu(FCT) defeated Ruth Ebere & Deborah Ukeh (Edo) at 21 – 14; 21 – 19 to advance to Finals while Sofiat Obanisola & Zainab Alabi (Rivers) defeated
Adesokan Dorcas & Ilori Aminat(Ogun) at 24 – 22; 21 – 19 to complete the train. Grace Gabriel & Ramatu Yakubu (FCT) won the Women Doubles Final defeating Sofiat Obanisola & Zainab Alabi (Rivers)at 21 – 16; 23 – 21.
The Finals of the Mixed Doubles category saw the emergence of Babatunde Ayomide & Adekunle Oluwaferanmi (Kwara) as winners after defeating Usman Qudus & Tiamiyu Salawat (Oyo) at 17 – 21; 21 – 18; 22 – 20.
Babatunde Ayomide & Adekunle Oluwaferanmi (Kwara) had earlier defeated Ganiyu Suleiman (Rivers) & Sunday Queen (Imo) 13 – 21; 24 – 22; 21 – 8 to advance to the Finals while Usman Qudus & Tiamiyu Salawat (Oyo) defeated Yinusa Momoh & Ramatu Yakubu (FCT) 21 – 18; 21 – 19.
In all, report says the spirit of oneness and friendship could be felt in the air and the players could be seen with fellow players catching up on “long” period absence.
Officials of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria were on ground to see to the flawless execution of the championship. Matches were held in the various Events with some results predictable while some just heralded the “arrival” or return of some players.
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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