Badminton
NIGERIA’S SPORTS MINISTER, SUNDAY DARE CONGRATULATES OBY SOLAJA ON AFRICAN WOMEN IN BADMINTON AWARD
Nigeria’s Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare has heaped praises on Mrs. Obiageli Solaja following the honour bestowed on her as the recipient of the 2019 African Women in Badminton Award.
The Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), bestowed the Award.
She becomes the second recipient of the award, following that of Gretha Prinsloo of South Africa who received the 2018 award last year during the BCA Annual General Meeting in Nanning China.
The honour will be bestowed at the BCA Annual General Meeting 2020 at a date to be fixed later due to the current COVID-19 global pandemic.
Dare remarked: “I wish to register my profound congratulations to one of Nigeria’s pioneer International Badminton players Mrs. Oby Solaja for her recognition as the winner of the prestigious BCA award.
This honour is not only well deserved, but symbolic. Coming at a time when Nigeria has shown commitment to the development of Badminton makes it special.
“This award is not just for you, but one that has made every Nigerian proud. This is reward of your commitment, hard work and dedication as a pioneer badminton player, coach and administrator.
“Indeed, it an honour well deserved. I urge you not to relent in using your pole position in the game to further develop the sport in our country.
“This is also a recognition of the sterling leadership of the President of the Badminton President Francis Orbih who has displayed astute leadership,” Dare remarked.
Oby Solaja, a seven-time African Women’s champion and 10-time Nigeria national champion in her playing days is one of the pioneers of badminton at the Olympics.
Last November, when the IOC president, Thomas Bach visited Nigeria and met with the country’s Olympians in Abuja, he took time to congratulate Solaja as one of the players when badminton first featured as a medal event at the Olympics in 1996.
According to the BCA in a letter dated 18th April 2020, conveying the award to Solaja, the award is meant “to celebrate outstanding women in Africa who have contributed to the development of badminton in Africa by demonstrating irreproachable attitude and dedication to the sport in their respective fields.”
Michel T. Bau, President of the BCA and Meneoang Leshota, Chairperson, Women in Badminton, jointly signed the letter.
“Her enormous contributions to the success of the 2019 All Africa Senior Championships in April, 2019 held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria” was given as one of the reasons for her choice as an awardee.
“This along with her commitment to her assigned tasks and dedication to the overall success of the tournament from the initial planning stages of the championship to its completion.
“Her choice was also based on her career long achievements as a female badminton player in Nigeria and Africa when, as nee Oby Edoga, she won three gold medals in the Africa Senior Championships in 1996; Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
Her qualification for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, is a landmark. She became one of the first three female badminton players in Africa to participate in the badminton event at the Olympics.
The other two from Mauritius are Martine de Souza and Marie-Josephe Jean Pierre.
Since her retirement as a player, Solaja has been developing herself in sports marketing and administration leading her to attend the 2006 Sportel in Monaco, France as a non-exhibitor as well as attending the FIFA/CIES Diploma course in Sports Management at Cairo University, Egypt in 2011/2012.
Her foray continued after retirement where she continued to support the development of badminton in Nigeria as a coach, and later as an administrator.
She is a member of the Board of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), where she is the zonal representative of the Southeast zone of the country. She is also the Chairperson of the Events Planning and Organizing Sub-committee of the BFN.
Reacting to the award, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, expressed joy at the wonderful news coming at this very difficult time.
He said he was not surprised at all by the development. ”Mrs. Obiageli Solaja, nee Edoga deserves and merits this great honour which is the first time ever that any such honour is bestowed on a Nigerian player/administrator.
“It is a well deserved reward for hard work which will definitely spur her to put in more efforts towards the development of the game in Nigeria and Africa.
“This award will also inspire and motivate women in badminton to do more towards the development of the game knowing that their contribution will be recognised and rewarded in due course.” He said.
Orbih further stressed “The fact that her award is coming within the same month of the upgrade of Nigeria’s Naomi Oyinloye as a Certificated BCA Umpire means a lot to us.
“It epitomises progress and development, which is one of the major goals of this Board. “
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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