Badminton
Ambode Gives Badminton a Boost
The Lagos International Badminton Classics, the biggest badminton competition in Africa has received a further boost from the governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode.
According to Francis Orbih, the chairman of the Lagos State Badminton Association and President-elect of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), the Lagos
State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has raised the prize money for the third edition of the competition from $15,000 to $20,000.
Coincidentally, the first sporting outing of Governor Ambode when he assumed office in 2015 was the attendance of the maiden edition of the classics.
The third edition is scheduled to commence on July 26, five days after Francis Orbih would have assumed office as the president of the BFN. The tournament will run through to July 29.
Francis Orbih said at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday that Ambode lived up to his promise after attending the second edition of the event in 2015.
“The governor attended the last classics, which had $15,000 as prize money and promised to increase the money; that is why we have $20,000 as the new prize money for the event, which is the biggest in Africa, thanks to the governor,” Orbih stated.
He added that winners in the men and women’s singles categories would pocket $2,200 each, while runners-up get $1,175. Winners and runners-up in the doubles events would also get cash prizes as well as players who reached various stages of the classics.
Players from 11 countries namely Israel, India, Italy, Uganda, Cameroon, Ghana, Benin Republic, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Portugal and hosts Nigeria are expected to compete at the event, which has been moved from Rowe Park to the Molade Okoya-Thomas indoor sports of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Former champion and world number 50 Israel’s Misha Zilberman is the highest ranked player at the classics while Nigeria’s highest ranked players are Habeeb Bello (299) and Clement Krobakpor (313).
Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission Deji Tinubu said a major reason for the hosting of the event was to help Nigerian players improve in the rankings and also to showcase the rich culture of Lagos.
“The rankings of our players will remain down if they don’t go out to play or we don’t create an event like this that is certified by the world body for them to compete.
“That is why we must commend the Lagos State Badminton Association for organising this classics, which is also meant to display the excellence of the state,” Tinubu stated.
Meanwhile, emerging youngster Anuoluwapo Opeyori, winner of the 2017 Cote d’Ivoire International Futures Series, says he’s prepared to give the big players a run for their money at the Lagos classics.
The 20-year-old said, “I expect to get to the highest level at the event and that is winning it. I have seen the big players play before, and they are beatable. I’m prepared for the challenge”.
The Indoor Sports Hall of the Ondo State Sports Commission in Akure hosted a three-day Shuttle Time Teachers Course from June 26th to 28th, 2025, drawing participants from 17 schools across the state in a bid to expand grassroots badminton development.
The course kicked off at 12:30 p.m. on a rainy Thursday, with an initial attendance of 17 teachers, one coach, and 56 students. By the second day, participation grew to include three coaches and 72 students, bringing the total number of attendees to 92.
Facilitators guided the teachers through the structured Shuttle Time curriculum, which includes a Teachers’ Manual, Lesson Plans, and instructional video clips—resources developed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and accessible both in print and online through the BWF website and the Shuttle Time App.
Participants were introduced to the four key learning phases:
- “Starters Lesson” (Lessons 1–10): Basic front court activities and skills
- “Swing and Throw” (Lessons 11–12): Transition to mid-court
- “Throw and Hit” (Lessons 13–18): Rear court development
- “Learn to Win” (Lessons 19–22): Introduction to tactical gameplay
The course was hands-on, with teachers assessed on their delivery by engaging students directly. Students, in turn, provided feedback on what they had learned, with only minimal corrections required—an indication of the teachers’ grasp of the training.
On the final day, the remaining modules were completed, with both teachers and students actively participating in practical sessions.
Each participating school received a badminton starter kit comprising four rackets, a net, and four shuttlecocks to help implement the sport in their respective institutions. Participants were also kitted in branded Shuttle Time Nigeria T-shirts and treated to meals and refreshments throughout the programme.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council and the Chairman of the Ondo State Badminton Association, Chief Olu Adekunle Ajanaku.
In his remarks, Chief Ajanaku pledged to expand the Shuttle Time Teachers Course to all local government areas in the state and promised to organize a zonal U-15 badminton championship before year’s end.
The event marked a milestone, being the first time that branded Shuttle Time Nigeria T-shirts were worn by all categories of participants, including students, teachers, and games masters and mistresses.
Gratitude was extended to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), its President, Francis Orbih, and Mrs. Oby Solaja for their support and approval of the course.
Special appreciation was also given to the Community Sport and Educational Development (CSED) Initiative—BFN’s grassroots development partner—for donating the equipment distributed to schools.
Organisers described the course as a “huge success,” setting a strong foundation for the spread of badminton across schools in Ondo State.
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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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