Badminton
Nigeria’s badminton body chart the course for Olympic glory with a historic coaching course
As a follow-up to the “Road to LA 2028” program initiated by the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) and held in Abuja earlier this December, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) is investing in capacity building.
The objective, according to the Federation’s president, Francis Orbih, is to let Nigerian badminton players get a better outing at the LA 2028 Olympics.
“We will continue to push the boundaries of sports development in the country”, he remarked.
As a first step, the BFN has focused on the coaches so that they can impart to the players.
The BFN has just concluded a one-week Level 1 Badminton World Federation (BWF) Coaching Course, which marked a significant milestone for Nigerian badminton.
Level 1 Badminton World Federation (BWF) Coaching Course in progress in Abuja.
Held in Abuja, the course brought together 13 young coaches from across Nigeria.
The last time such a course was held in the country was in 2017, making this a historic and transformative step.
The training was facilitated by the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) in partnership with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and conducted by Dr. Ahmed Radah, the BCA Development Manager.
Radah, impressed by the talent he witnessed, praised Nigeria’s potential.
“Nigeria is blessed with immense talent and a strong badminton tradition. I believe this country has what it takes to dominate on the global stage,” he remarked.
For BFN President Francis Orbih, this initiative is more than a coaching course—it is a cornerstone of a broader vision to make Nigeria a powerhouse in African and global badminton.
“The growth and development of badminton should be a total package—players, coaches, and officials must evolve together. This course is a vital investment, and I am confident we will reap its benefits in the years to come,” Orbih affirmed.
Orbih further explained the meticulous selection process for the participants: “The African body gave us specific criteria, and while many applied, only 13 met the standards. This ensured representation from across the country and the inclusion of promising retiring players transitioning into the coaching. It is a deliberate step toward building a solid foundation.”
The training also serves as a precursor to Nigeria’s hosting of the 2025 Africa Badminton Championship, a pivotal event in the roadmap to LA 2028. According to Orbih, the course aligns with the federation’s goal of creating a pool of highly skilled coaches who can effectively nurture talents at all levels.
The course isn’t just about skills—it is a bridge to future opportunities.
“These coaches must remain active and apply what they have learned to qualify for the next grade level 2, which we plan to host next year. It’s about sustaining momentum through consistent programs and competitions,” Orbih added.
Nigeria’s potential in badminton and para badminton is undeniable, with players like Eniola Bolaji and Anuoluwapo Opeyori already making waves internationally.
Orbih reiterated the importance of global exposure for young players: “Our talents need funding and international competitions to compete with the world’s best. The journey has started, with two of our players heading to Malaysia for training under the African body’s program in January.”
With the BWF Coaching Course setting the stage, the BFN’s commitment to empowering coaches and players demonstrates its readiness to put Nigerian badminton on the global map.
As Orbih eloquently put it, “This is just the beginning of a journey that will redefine the future of badminton in Nigeria.”
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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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