Badminton
Former Super Eagles player, Ojigwe, gets committee membership of Abia International Para Badminton Championship
A former Super Eagles defensive midfielder, Pascal Karibe Ojigwe, is one of the 14-man Local Organising Committee (LOC) inaugurated on Friday for the first Abia Para Badminton International Championship, which will hold later this year in Umuahia.
Ojigwe played for the Super Eagles at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali.
Along with the LOC was the inauguration of the Main Organising Committee, the MOC.
The inauguration ceremony by the Abia State government was held at the Government House in Umuahia, in the office of the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu.
The 1st Abia Para Badminton International Championship is scheduled to be held from September 30 to October 5, 2025, followed by the All-Africa Para Badminton Championship from October 6 to 12, 2025.
President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his significant investment in sports development.
He noted that both championships would have a substantial economic impact on the state and attract international recognition to Abia’s progress under Governor Otti’s administration.
“This marks Nigeria’s first time hosting an international para badminton championship, which reflects our shared commitment to advancing para sports,” Orbih said.
He added, “Your Excellency, by hosting this historic event, you are not only making a powerful statement about equity and opportunity but also positioning Abia State as a beacon of progress in sports development, both nationally and across the continent.
“This championship offers tremendous opportunities—it will stimulate the local economy, attract international attention, and inspire a new generation of para-athletes across Africa.”
Orbih assured the state of the BFN’s full support, pledging technical expertise and collaboration to ensure the event meets international standards.
He also charged committee members to uphold professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties:
“I urge you to work with unity, transparency, and excellence. The eyes of the continent, and indeed the global badminton community, will be on Abia, and I am confident you will rise to the occasion.”
Orbih also referenced Eniola Bolaji’s historic achievement at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, which brought global recognition to both Nigeria and Africa in para badminton.
In his remarks, Governor Alex Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Emetu, expressed pride in the achievements of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the state’s local Association.
He praised their dedication and emphasised Abia’s potential to become a leading hub for badminton in Africa.
Emetu also encouraged stakeholders to invest in grassroots development to nurture the next generation of champions.
The Governor further congratulated Francis Orbih on his election to the Badminton World Federation Council, recognising it as a milestone for Nigerian badminton on the global stage.
After the inauguration, the committee members embarked on an inspection tour of the facilities for the events, after which Orbih said, “I want to say I am impressed with the level of renovation work going on at the venue.
“We also visited designated official hotels for the event to make sure they are up to the standards set for such events”.
List of Main Organising Committee (MOC) Members:
Chairman: Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu
Vice Chairman: Francis Orbih
Members: Prescilia Alex Otti, Ekeoma Samuel, Hon. Nwaobillor Ananaba, George Obioma, Abel Sunday, Alhaji Mohammed Maina, Mallam Tunde Kazeem, Salihu Abubakar, Seyi Johnson, Sunday Odebode, Thecla Okpara, and Oludare Davies.
List of Local Organising Committee (LOC) Members:
Chairperson: Her Excellency, Priscillia Chioma Alex Otti
Vice Chairman: Celeb Ajagba
Members: Pascal Karibe Ojigwe, Francis Orbih, George Obioma, Abel Sunday, Ekeoma Samuel, Kenneth Odanwu, Dr. Eugene Ihuaba, George Shitta, Obiageli Solaja, Hon. Sulyman Shehu Warah, Amb. Yahaya Faruk, and Mallam Tunde Kazeem.
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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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