Badminton
TEAM NIGERIA WIN ALL AFRICA SENIOR BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS
Team Nigeria have established their dominance on the continent after they clear the stable to emerge champions of the 2019 All Africa Senior Badminton Championships which ended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Sunday.
Nigeria won four gold medals, two silver medals and
one bronze to top the medal table.
The team had earlier secured the most coveted
gold medal in the team event on Thursday and followed that up with further
three gold medals in the individual championships.
Top stars Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Dorcas Adesokan
produced the most stunning shows after they dethroned Georges Paul and Kate Foo
Kune from Mauritius in the men’s and women’s singles respectively.
Mauritius’ Kune had reigned as African champion
since 2014; she even beat Adesokan in the final of the last edition in Algeria,
but she met a determined Nigerian this time, who showed grit to hand down to
her a 21-12, 21-13 defeat in the final of women’s singles.
In the men’s singles, Godwin Olofua, ranked
third in Africa, had shockingly defeated top seed, Paul, in the semifinals to
set up all Nigerian affairs final with Opeyori.
It was a thrilling encounter between two friends
and mates but Opeyori won 21-17, 16-21, 21-17 to claim his maiden African
title.
It was also an Nigerian affairs in the women’s doubles
as the pair of Adesokan and Deborah Ukeh defeated Amin Christopher and Chinenye
Ibere.
In the mixed doubles, Algeria’s duo of Koceila
Mammeri and Linda Mazri successfully defended the title they won last year at
home when they defeated Nigeria’s Enejo Abbah and Peace Orji 15-21, 21-16,
21-18.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom
Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the tournament and
the performance of Team Nigeria.
He announced a reward of $100,00 for Team
Nigeria for their efforts in the competition.
“The President of the Badminton
Confederation of Africa just told me that this is the best tournament they have
ever conducted; that’s is a every encouraging one.
“We
are happy to grab the opportunity of hosting this event and our government will
continue to support badminton and of course sports in general,” he said.
However, the President of the Nigeria Badminton
Federation, Francis Orbih, on behalf of the board, announced the conferment of
Wike as the Patron of the BFN.
Adesokan described her performance as the best
in her career. “Anytime I want to play against her I was always jittery
but I told myself that had to change this time. I have done it, Kate will never
beat me again,” she said.
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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