Badminton
NIGERIA STUNS MAURITIUS TO WIN BADMINTON TEAM EVENT
Team Nigeria Thursday night made history it
defeated Mauritius to claim gold medal in the mixed team event of the All
Africa Senior Badminton Championships in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
It was the coveted medal and the West Africans
claimed it in a dramatic way.
Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Dorcas Adesokan were the
stars of the night. They were simply glittering. They shone like thousand
stars! They displayed impressive form. It was tenacity of purpose in display as
the duo worked towards Nigeria’s historic victory.
Opeyori started the onslaught when he secured a
21-11, 21-13 against hard-fighting Aatish Lubah in the men’s singles.
The Nigerian number one had somewhat easy first
set but got it pretty tough in the second as the Mauritian raced to a four
point lead maintaining that until the interval when the Nigerian used combination
of incredible footwork and strong forehand to undo his opponent and won the set
21-13.
The second match was really destined to be a
difficult one for Team Nigeria. Deborah Ukeh was to face the Africa’s number
one in the women category, Kate Foo Kune. In less than 30 minutes the Mauritian
had handed down a 21-12, 21-16 defeat to the Nigerian. The tie stood at 1-1
apiece.
Mauritius opened a lead when Lubah combined
forces with top seed, Georges Paul, to seal a 21-16, 16-21, 21-11 over the duo
of Enejo Abbah and Clement Krobakpor to make it 2-1.
Adesokan paired with Ukeh to restore parity when
they dispatched Aurelie Allet and Loma Botha 21-8, 21-10 in the
women’s doubles to set the stage for the final match.
The atmosphere at the Indoors Hall of the
Ditte Spiff Civic Centre was electrifying, the tension was high as the duo of
Opeyori and Adesokan stepped into the court to face Paul and Kune in the mixed
doubles.
It was the best of Nigeria against the best of
Mauritius and the tie lived up to its billing, extremely close match that ended
21-19, 21-19 in favour of the hosts to send spectators into frenzy.
“This is the best day of my career,”
Opeyori said after the game. “I was jittery this morning but my coach and
mates urged me on and I am happy I didn’t disappoint.”
“The good thing about this victory is that
Nigeria will represent Africa for the first time at the Sudirman Cup in China,
we are the champions of Africa,” an elated President of the Badminton
Federation of Nigeria Francis Obih said.
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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