Badminton
Orbih Reflects on BFN Progress as Federation Moves Toward Elections
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has disclosed that preparations for the federation’s elections are nearing completion, with the process being carried out in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and expected to usher in a new board in early March.
Orbih disclosed on Thursday during a BFN board meeting at the Check Inn Hotel in Abuja, where key issues bordering on governance transition, athlete development, youth programmes and funding challenges were discussed.
According to the BFN president, the elections will be conducted strictly in line with guidelines to be issued by the National Sports Commission.
“For the elections, we are working in partnership with the National Sports Commission and under its guidance. The guidelines will be released by the Commission, and elections conducted strictly in line with them,” Orbih said. “Hopefully, the election will be held in early March, after which the new board will be inaugurated.”
Reflecting on his four-year tenure, Orbih described the period as largely successful, attributing the federation’s progress to collective effort rather than individual leadership.
“The journey of four years, I would say, has been very successful to a large extent. We achieved quite a lot. I would not say I was responsible for the success alone; it was teamwork,” he said, noting that he worked with a strong and supportive board.
While acknowledging the challenges encountered during the tenure, Orbih stressed that commitment and sustained effort were critical to the gains recorded.
Declining to assess his own performance, he said such judgment should be left to others, but pointed to positive feedback from within and outside Nigeria as evidence of progress.
“From the feedback and commendations, not only within Nigeria but across Africa and other continents, I believe we have done reasonably well,” he said, adding that endorsements from past federation presidents and sports authorities further reinforced that view.
Orbih highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in continental badminton, recalling that the country hosted the Badminton Confederation of Africa’s (BCA) Road to Los Angeles 2028 programme, becoming the first nation to launch the initiative.
He also cited the achievements of para-badminton star Eniola Bolaji as a major milestone for Nigerian and African badminton.
“Eniola Bolaji brought immense pride to Africa by becoming the first African to win a medal in para badminton at the Paralympics,” Orbih said, noting that her bronze medal performance has spurred early preparations towards a potential gold at the LA 2028 Paralympics.
Providing an update on Bolaji’s progress, Orbih disclosed that she recently won gold at the Egypt International and is currently ranked world number two.
“She is heading to the World Para Badminton Championships next week and then to Spain in March. With sponsorship support from the National Sports Commission, GIG Logistics and Yonex, we are hopeful she can reach world number one this year,” he said.
Orbih also revealed that Jeremiah Chigozie has been placed on a training grant by the National Sports Commission as part of his own Road to Los Angeles 2028 programme, while national singles star Anu Opeyori is currently on scholarship in the United States as he works towards a full return to competitive badminton.
On funding, the BFN president expressed optimism, citing growing support from both government and private sector partners, including GIG Logistics, Yonex, Mutual Benefits Assurance and Bond Global Energy.
“Government cannot do it alone,” Orbih said. “We are hopeful of attracting more private sector support so we can make even greater progress. We must continue to prioritise and channel available resources to what matters most in our development plans.”
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Nigeria’s para badminton sensation, Eniola Bolaji, has again proved her status as Africa’s finest as she clinched the women’s singles title at the 2026 Egypt International Championship, delivering another golden moment for the country in Cairo.
The world No. 2 and Paralympic bronze medallist was in imperious form at the New Capital Indoor Hall, defeating Turkey’s world No. 7 Halime Yildiz 2–0 (21–10, 21–4) in Sunday’s final to crown a flawless campaign.
Bolaji had earlier set the tone with a commanding 2–0 (21–9, 21–10) win over Yildiz in the opening round, before sweeping aside India’s Tulika Jadgave 2–0 (21–10, 21–7). She maintained her dominance by beating another Indian opponent, Manasi Girishchandra Joshi, 2–0 (21–11, 21–13) and then outclassed Shivam Yadav Neeraj 2–0 (21–10, 21–11) in the semi-final.
Her unbeaten run confirmed once again why she is Africa’s number one para badminton player and one of the world’s leading stars in the sport.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, hailed Bolaji’s consistency and impact, describing her as a global ambassador for Nigerian sport.
“Eniola Bolaji continues to put Nigeria on the world map,” Orbih said. “She began her journey to greatness in North Africa in 2025 and went on to win almost every gold medal available. This victory shows she is ready for another exciting year and more international success.”
Orbih also praised the National Sports Commission and sponsors GIG Logistics for their continued backing, stressing that their support has been crucial to the growth of para badminton in Nigeria.
With another international gold secured, Bolaji has reinforced Nigeria’s growing reputation in para sports and signalled her intent to make 2026 another landmark year in her already glittering career.
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Badminton
BFN Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Growth as Southeast Badminton Championship Ends on a High
By Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu
The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has reiterated its commitment to promoting and developing badminton across the country, stressing that its long-term vision remains centred on building a strong platform for Nigerian athletes to excel locally and on the global stage.
BFN President, Francis Orbih, reaffirmed this stance on Sunday during the final day of competition at the fourth edition of the Southeast Badminton Championship, held at the Indoor Multipurpose Gymnasium of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Orbih noted that Nigeria’s recent rise and strengthened dominance in African badminton did not happen by chance but through “well-planned, collective and coordinated efforts” by the Federation, its partners, and technical departments.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of play and organisation of the championship, describing it as “another testament to the promise and potential of the Southeast zone.”
“This event truly lived up to expectations,” Orbih said. “The performance level was high, and it shows that our developmental programmes are working. We will continue to prioritise athlete development and ensure that Nigerian players can compete favourably with the best in the world.”
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Badminton
Convener of Bet9ja Foundation Badminton Championship, Oby Solaja Champions Talent Growth, Calls for Greater Support
By Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu
Obiageli Edoga-Solaja Champions Talent Growth, Calls for Greater Support at Southeast Badminton Championship
BFN Board Member and Southeast representative, Mrs. Obiageli Edoga-Solaja, has once again reaffirmed her reputation as one of the strongest advocates for badminton development in Nigeria, as she praised the high turnout and quality of talent showcased at the just-concluded Southeast Badminton Championship in Enugu.
Solaja, a former African champion and 1996 Atlanta Olympian, expressed delight at the growing pool of young players emerging from the region.
She noted that several of the prospects discovered during the three-day event will be groomed for future national and international competitions, reinforcing the Southeast’s legacy as a breeding ground for elite badminton talent.
“This championship has shown that the Southeast remains a powerhouse of raw talent,” she said. “Some of the players we’ve seen here have the potential to develop into national stars. With proper training and guidance, they can become world-class.”
A Lifelong Contributor to Nigerian Badminton
Beyond her administrative role, Solaja has been widely celebrated for her decades-long contribution to the sport.
She is a multiple-time, African Badminton queen and the 2019 African Women in Badminton Award.
As an ex-international who dominated African badminton in her prime, she has continued to invest her time, expertise, and influence in nurturing grassroots talent, mentoring young players, and championing development programmes across the region.
Under her leadership and advocacy, several youth-focused initiatives have been implemented, contributing significantly to the sport’s rising profile in the Southeast.
Appreciation to Sponsors, Call for Broader Support
Solaja also lauded the Bet9ja Foundation, sponsors of the championship, for their consistent and meaningful investment in badminton. She stressed that the sustained partnership between corporate organisations and sports federations is vital to the growth of the game.
“We have the talent; what we need is sustained backing,” she emphasised. “The Southeast has always been a strong badminton region, and with more support—from companies, individuals and stakeholders—we can produce world-class players and elevate Nigerian badminton globally.”
Her call resonated strongly with participants and officials who believe that corporate and community involvement remains central to sustaining the momentum generated by competitions such as the Southeast Championship.
As the event concluded, many stakeholders acknowledged that with passionate advocates like Solaja leading the charge, the future of badminton in the region—and in Nigeria—looks promising and primed for greater achievements.
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