Badminton
NEWCOMERS RULE LAGOS INTERNATIONAL BADMINTON CLASSICS
The 5th Lagos International Badminton Classics 2019 has come and gone and has been largely a newcomers year.
The domination of India in the last edition has been narrowed down greatly. Where they virtually swept all the prizes in the Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and the Mixed Doubles, this year has seen serious challenge and changes in that even though they have been able to maintain the position of the overall best winning team with two gold and two silver medals.
Newcomers Turkey, Germany and Vietnam staked claims to the titles in the WS,WD in the case of Turkey, MS in the case of Vietnam and MD in the case of Germany.
The second seed newcomer, Tien Minh Nguyen from Vietnam practically denied Misha Zilberman of Israel, the winner of the two previous editions the chance of a “hat trick”.
The full results of the Finals are as follows;
Men’s Doubles:
1. Jones R.Jansen / Peter K. (GER)
2. M.R.Arjun /R.Shlok (IND)
3.Anuoluwapo O./Godwin O. (NGR)
3. B.R.Sankeeth (CAN)/ Vinson C. (U.S.A.)
Men’s Singles
1. Tien Minh Nguyen (VIE)
2. Misha Zilberman (ISR)
3. Sergey Sirant (RUS)
3. Teck Zhi Soo (MAL)
Women”‘s Singles
1. Neslihan Yigit (TUR)
2. Ozge Bayrak (TUR)
3. Aliye Demirbag (TUR)
3. Ksenia Polikarpova (ISR)
Women’s Doubles:
1. P.Dandu /S.Santosh (IND)
2. B.Ercetin / N.Inci (TUR)
3. Maneesha K./ R.Panda (IND)
3.D.Hany/ Hadia H.(EGY)
Mixed Doubles
1. M.R.Arjun/Maneesha K. (IND)
2. R.Shlok / R.Panda (IND)
3. Adham H.E./D.Hany (EGY)
3. Vinson C./Breanna C.(U.S.A.)
Overall, the Classics has been a huge success with no mishaps occurring and the pledges were promptly redeemed.
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih presented Special Appreciation plaques to the Tournament Referee, Julie Carrel (NZL) and the Deputy Referee, Jozef (Dodo) Kuprivec (SLV)after the presentation of prizes and medals.
He said it was in appreciation of their immense contribution to the overall success of the tournament.
The tournament rounded up thereafter with some already looking forward to the 2020 edition, which will be the sixth Lagos International Badminton Championship.
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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