Badminton
Edo Sports Commission, Badminton Federation of Nigeria hold training for students
The Edo Sports Commission and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) have held a two-day badminton training for games masters/mistresses in Uzarue, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The event, which was held at the premises of St Angela’s Girls Grammar School Uzarue was attended by 21 teachers and 84 students from 21 secondary schools in Etsako land, as well as secondary schools from Igarra, Afuze and Ikpeshi.
The unique thing about this grassroots badminton training is that it provides teachers and students with the opportunity to learn the basics of a sport together at the same time.
The training involved the theoretical aspect of the game and more importantly the practical area of badminton.
All’s well that ends well. A group photograph of all the participants.
The training was conducted by three qualified “Shuttle Time” trainers, Godswill Afejika, Olalekan, Fajimiyo, and Blessing Osayomwanbo.
The trainees were taught shaped grip and the thumb grip. There was also court work with balloons. Balloons were used for services and smashing drills.
On the second day of the training event, the three trainers held a session with the game’s masters/mistresses.
This was followed by a session with the students. The games masters/mistresses were taught the technical aspect of badminton, which involves officiating, rules of the game, safeguarding, and the roles of the games masters/mistress in developing the game in their various schools.
The students had their practical session on basic badminton grips, strokes, footwork and the rules of the game with the use of balloons.
The training event, which was bankrolled by Edo State Sports Commission with the technical support of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) was powered by CSED (Community Sport and Educational Development) Initiative.
The event is a reflection of what can be achieved at the grassroots level if government agencies (education, sport and health), sporting federations/associations and the third sector (NGOs and private individuals) collaborate to share knowledge and resources to use access to sports to build the capacity of teachers and students.
At the end of the training event, free basic badminton equipment (nets, rackets and shuttlecocks) was distributed to the 21 schools in order to support the learning and practicing of the students and their teachers in their various schools.
Distribution of equipment to representatives of the schools.
Since the current Board Members of the BFN assumed office, they have worked hard to attract the support of different organisations and sponsors in their attempt to attract new and young players to the game of badminton.
This they have done by organizing “Shuttle Time” training as well as “badminton outreach training in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, through the BFN partnership with CSED Initiative.
It is hoped that other sports federations would emulate the grassroots developmental effort of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, who have also taken the game to at-risk groups (IDPs and asylum seekers) 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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