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BADMINTON CONFEDERATION OF AFRICA CHIEF TIPS NIGERIA FOR GREAT SHOW IN TOKYO OLYMPICS

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The Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) has identified Nigeria as a leading country to inspire the continent into favourable position to compete with the rest of the big nations in the world.


The BCA Secretary General, Sahir Edoo said that Nigeria is not only demonstrating that capacity with the quality of players the country can boasts of at the moment but has taken it a notch up with the ability to organise a world class competition.


Edoo said the game was moving fast on the continent and Nigeria is playing the leading role in that charge.


He expects to see African players making great impacts at the Olympics Games not only by having an increased number of stars who will qualify for the showpiece but in terms of getting the results.


“Olympics is a big event and we have to admit that big countries like China are still dominating badminton in the world; we are expecting Africa to do well in Tokyo Olympics, we didn’t have some many players at the last one but we are certain we will have a lot of them making it this time.

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“Of course we expect countries like Nigeria to represent us very well,” he said.
He rated the standard of organisation and quality of play on display at the ongoing All Africa very high, saying that the Badminton Federation of Nigeria should be roundly commended.


“We have had an amazing competition so far; the facilities, everything is great; I can say that Nigeria has put together the biggest badminton competition in the world so far in terms of standard. We have to thank the government of Rivers State, the organisers, the BFN, they have all done an incredible job.


“We have also noticed impressive performances from our players; the speed, the movements have been great in all of the matches we have seen.

It is not only about big badminton countries like Nigeria, South Africa or Mauritius, we are also well pleased with what emerging countries like Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Congo DR have done,” he said.


However, the competition has claimed it’s first biggest upset after the defending champions in the mixed team event Algeria were bundled out of the competition in the quarterfinals by Georges Paul-inspired Mauritius.

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Algeria beat Nigeria to the title last year, but could not survive the onslaught of Paul and his mates as the contest ended 3-1.


The Mauritius victory didn’t come without a scare, they lost the mixed doubles event and top star Paul even dropped a set in the men’s singles event with Hamel Adel.


Similarly, Ghana bundled out South Africa while Nigeria and Egypt had easy ride over  Uganda and Zambia respectively.

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Badminton

It’s Nigeria again as Eniola Bolaji wins the 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award

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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

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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Previous AWIBA Winners:

              •            2018 – Gretha Prinsloo (South Africa)

              •            2019 – Obiageli Solaja (Nigeria)

              •            2020 – Hadia Hosny (Egypt)

              •            2021 – Lynn Du Preez (Namibia)

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              •            2022 – Awatef Ghalloussi (Tunisia)

              •            2023 – Harriet Semugabi (Uganda)

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He is one of our own, Badminton Chief, Orbih hails Kida’s headship of NNPC

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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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Eniola Bolaji remains a golden girl!

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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.

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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.

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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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