Badminton
BADMINTON BECOMES A SUBJECT OF STUDY AT UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT
Badminton in Nigeria gets a boost as the controlling body; the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has successfully made Olymafrica to include the sport in the curriculum of its University of Port Harcourt study centre.
Olympafrica is a sporting organisation established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to cater for the sporting and educational development of youths in Africa. It has its Headquarters in Dakar, Senegal and the Centre at the University of Port Harcourt is one of its affiliates.
In a letter dated 6th December 2019, the BFN wrote to appeal and make a case for the inclusion of badminton as one of the sports in the Centre’s curriculum.
The Federation’s appeal was hinged on the fact that the centre has been the camping venue for the senior national badminton team during its preparations for recent continental engagements where the team performed very well.
The Federation was of the belief that the formal inclusion of the sport in the centre’s curriculum will greatly enhance its growth and development in the country.
According to BFN President, Francis Orbih, “It was therefore with great pleasure and appreciation that the Federation received the approval of the Olympafrica University of Port Harcourt Centre Board in a letter dated 28th May, 2020 signed by Dr. C.E. Agi.
“The approval read in part; “It gives me great joy to inform you Sir that the Olympafrica Center of the University of Port Harcourt has been given permission by the Board of the Sports Institute to start a Badminton Academy.”
Continuing, Orbih remarked that : “The larger implication of this development portends a great improvement in the growth of the game in Nigeria.
“The centre currently has a total number of six sports officially in its curriculum. Badminton therefore comes as the seventh. The inclusion will be in line with one of the key agenda of the present BFN Board, which is grassroots development.
Francis Orbih who was ecstatic on receiving the Olympafrica approval further remarked: “ “This is one of the numerous achievements of the current BFN Board that has grassroots development of badminton as one of its main goals.
“Having a standard badminton academy in a standard sporting facility like the Olympafrica Uniport centre will be a major boost for the growth and development of badminton in Nigeria”.
He said the federation will take advantage of this development in it’s quest for repositioning badminton for sustainable growth.
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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