Badminton
ALL AFRICA SENIOR BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS: UNSEEDED NIGERIAN CAUSES UPSET AS BIG GUNS MATCH ON
Unseeded Nigerian player Zainab Alabi produced a blistering performance to bundle the second seed Hadia Hosny of Egypt out of the women’s singles event of the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships as many of the big players progressed to the round of 16.
Alabi entered the court as an underdog but she
never left anyone in doubt about her desire to win the tie as she raced to an
early lead in the first set, her more experienced opponent pegged her back
before the interval but pulled away to win the set 21-14.
It was a ding-dong affairs in the second set
until after the interval and the Nigerian held on to claim a 21-15 win and her
performance was greeted with a great applause from the home fans.
Top seed Georges Paul secured an easy 21-10,
21-13 victory over Muhammad Belarbi in the men’s singles while sixth seed
Daniel Sam escaped an early exit as he held on for a 21-10, 17-21,
24-22 win over Israel Wangilya of Zambia.
Fifth seed, Ahmed Salah, defeated Bongani Von
Bodenstein 21-7, 21-12. Clement Krobakpor of Nigeria was responsible for the
exit of fourth seed Adham Elgamal while Habeeb Bello matched on when Adel Hamel
retired in the first set.
Gideon Babalola defeated Hakim Ranaud of
Seychelles 21-7, 21-13 while seventh seed Melvin Appiah of Mauritius ground out
a 21-10, 22-20 victory over Davies Senono of Zambia.
Second seed Anuoluwapo Opeyori didn’t have
problem dispatching the threat posed by Egypt’s Ali El-Khateb.
In the women’s singles, top seed Kate Foo Kune
was on the court for just 10 minutes to finish off Brenda Awor from Zambia with
a 21-8, 11-8 win.
Third seed Dorcas Adesokan played for just 12 minutes to defeat Mitchelle Gaza from Zimbabwe 21-3, 21-3.
Chineye Ibere of Nigeria, Egypt’s Doha Hang who
is fourth seed, and fifth seed Aisha Nakiyeiba from Zambia all progressed to
the round of 16 in the women’s singles.
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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