Badminton
Nigeria takes centre stage as Africa sets sight on Olympic Glory in Badminton
In a historic step toward elevating African badminton, the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) launched the groundbreaking “Road to LA 2028” program in Abuja, Nigeria.
The initiative, aimed at securing Olympic and Paralympic success for African athletes at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, emphasizes early preparation, resource mobilization, and talent development.
The launch event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Sunday, brought together key stakeholders from across the continent, with Nigeria leading the charge as host.
The program reflects a united commitment to rewriting Africa’s badminton story on the global stage and Kingston Mulenga (Zambia), Deputy President of the BCA, explained the unique nature of the initiative:
“In Africa, we rarely plan four years ahead for the Olympics due to challenges like funding and resources.
“Nigeria’s leadership in hosting and championing this program is groundbreaking. This initiative offers a roadmap for other African nations to emulate, ensuring that our athletes are prepared to compete at the highest level.”
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and a BCA Council member reflected on the inspiration behind the program:
“Eniola Bolaji’s bronze medal at Paris 2024 was a watershed moment for African badminton. It showed that with the right preparation and support, Africa can succeed on the global stage.
“This program is about sustaining and surpassing that success. Starting early and pooling resources are critical to achieving our goals.”
Orbih also emphasized the importance of partnerships:
“Transforming African badminton requires a collective effort. With support from the government, corporate sponsors, and individuals, I believe we can make Africa a global badminton powerhouse. Success attracts more success, and now is the time to invest in our athletes and their future.”
Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, stressed the value of starting preparations well ahead of the Olympics:
“To win at the Olympics, you need years of consistent training, planning, and investment. The BCA’s initiative sets a powerful example for other sports federations. The Nigeria Olympic Committee will do everything possible to support this program with scholarships and resources to help our athletes excel.”
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, reaffirmed the government’s support: “This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to elevate Nigerian and African sports.
“The achievements in Paris 2024 proved that we have the talent; now, we must provide the infrastructure and funding to turn potential into podium finishes. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for success.”
Eniola Bolaji, Africa’s first Paralympic medalist in badminton, expressed her determination to achieve even greater success: “Winning bronze in Paris was a proud moment, but it also motivated me to aim higher.
“This program gives us the tools we need to succeed. With the right training, resources, and support, I’m confident I can bring home gold in Los Angeles.”
Team Nigeria captain and two-time Olympian Anuoluwapo Opeyori spoke about the program’s significance:
“This initiative is a game-changer. It’s not just about medals; it’s about inspiring athletes to perform at their best. With consistent training, mentorship, and global exposure, we can raise the bar for African badminton.”
Spanish Dina Abouzeid Sarinena, an international coach for BCA and BFN, reiterated the importance of preparation:
“We prepared for one year before Paris 2024, but now we have four years. That gives us the opportunity to fine-tune techniques, improve tactics, and create an ideal environment for success. This program is a golden opportunity for African athletes to compete at par with their global counterparts.”
The “Road to LA 2028” initiative promises to revolutionize African badminton by nurturing talent, empowering coaches, and creating a sustainable support system for athletes. It calls on governments, private sponsors, and sports enthusiasts to join hands in propelling Africa to Olympic glory.
With Nigeria setting the pace, the continent is poised for a badminton renaissance, ensuring that African athletes are not just participants but strong contenders on the global stage
The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) is looking forward to a podium finish at the next Olympic Games holding in Los Angeles in 2028 as its parent body, the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) launches a major initiative in the country.
Tagged “Road to LA 2028”, the athlete-focused program of the BCA is expected to ginger the Nigerian and other African badminton players to aim for higher achievement at the next Olympics.
The BFN, in conjunction with the BCA, believes that greater achievement is possible if preparation is done on time.
According to the BFN president, Francis Orbih who is also a member of the BCA Council, building an Olympic contender, let alone a champion, is not an overnight venture. “That explains our quest for early preparation, thanks to our continental parent body (BCA), for the initiative.”
This is aimed at propelling African and Nigerian badminton to new heights.
When Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji won a medal at the Paris 2024, she became the first African to do so. “We want to build on the momentum and the fact that a badminton player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori was made the Captain of Team Nigeria has underlined the fact that badminton has come of age.
That was the first time in Nigeria’s 18-participation that a badminton player was chosen as team Nigeria captain.
The Road to LA 2028 is planned to inspire and support African badminton players as they strive for glory at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The launch event is scheduled for December 1st, at the Kano Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
“For Nigeria as hosts, we would also be celebrating the remarkable achievements of Nigerian badminton and para badminton players at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics”, remarked Orbih.
The “Road to LA 2028” initiative will focus on nurturing young talents, providing world-class training facilities, and securing essential resources to ensure African athletes are well-prepared to compete at the highest level.
“As a Nigerian, I am proud of our athletes’ achievements at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and I believe that the initiative of the BCA will motivate the athletes to better performance at the LA 2028”, said Orbih.
Continuing, he said that “the ‘Road to LA 2028’ campaign is a BCA commitment to supporting African athletes and providing them with the tools they need to reach their full potential. We invite the entire nation to join us on this exciting journey.”
Expected at the event are critical stakeholders. Those invited include Governors, government agencies, corporate sponsors, the media and badminton stakeholders.
As the third edition of the Bet9ja South East Badminton Championship in Enugu enters its second day, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has reaffirmed its commitment towards developing and promoting sports in every state of the federation, saying that the country has the potential to do well in any major championship.
The South East Zonal representative on the BFN board, Mrs Obiageli Edoga Solaja made the disclosure during the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of the championship being fuelled by Bet9ja Foundation.
She stressed that the primary target for putting up such competition was to develop and nurture talented players from the region to stardom, thereby giving them the opportunity to be ranked among the top players in the country.
Emeka Ofora (right), Bet9ja Super Agent in Enugu lends support to the Gospel according to Badminton
The 1996 Atlanta Olympics player further hinted that Bet9ja championship is featuring over 60 players from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States competing for the star prize in the men and women events, men and women doubles, mixed doubles and Veterans categories, just as winners and outstanding players would be rewarded with cash prizes and incentives.
On his part, Coach of Team Enugu, Ifejika Godswill noted despite the competition witnessing both experienced and quality players, the state team will give a good account of themselves.
Meanwhile, some of the results from day 1 activities saw Bright (Enugu) defeat Divine (Ebonyi) (21-18, 21-16), David (Anambra) outsmart Ebuka in two straight sets of 21-17, 21-18.
Indeed, Jovita (Anambra) proved too hot handle as he controlled and dominated the game against his fellow state counterpart, Chibuike also in two straight sets of 21-13, 21-13, while the game between Sochima (Enugu) and Nonso (Abia) gave the fans something to cheer as both players fought for every point, but at the end, the Enugu player scaled through with a 2-1 set (16-21, 21-19, 21-15).
The thre-day Championship which is the innovation and concept of the Southeast East Zonal Badminton Outreach, endorsed by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, BFN, is being sponsored by Bet9ja Foundation
Recall that Badminton made history for the country and Africa at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, as Mariam Eniola Bolaji became the first African athlete to win a badminton medal at the Paralympic Games.
Again, the five eastern states of Nigeria are gathering for an annual badminton championship powered by the lead bookmaker company in Nigeria, through its foundation, the Bet9ja Foundation.
Running from Monday through Wednesday, the championship will feature contests among senior men and women as well as the veterans.
Holding at the indoor sports hall of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, it is the third time since 2022 that the championship under the platform of Bet9ja is taking centre stage.
“We are committed to this as it is part of our cardinal programmes, remarked Adaobi Cuomo, the Vice Chairman, Bet9ja Foundation. According to her, the Bet9ja Foundation is committed to improving the lives of Nigerians across the country through a variety of programs and initiatives that address the unique needs of diverse communities.
The Bet9ja South East Badminton Championship is just one of the numerous projects as the foundation strives “to provide access to quality healthcare, support educational opportunities, promote sports development, facilitate community projects, and empower youth to achieve their full potential”, Adaobi Cuomo remarked.
Explaining further, Yetunde Osunnuga, the Bet9ja Agents Liaison Officer revealed that the foundation at the moment has 160 projects in over 31 states in Nigeria and is impacting 150 communities with an investment that is over N587 million.
Yetunde Osunnuga, the Bet9ja Agents Liaison Officer
The Bet9ja South East Badminton Championship is already yielding results. A product of the last edition, Jeremiah Chigozie ruffled feathers at the Paris 2024. Though physically challenged, Chigozie used the second edition of the championship to perfect his acts and became the first Nigerian male player to make it to the global event.
The Bet9ja Southeast Badminton sensation dispatched Marcel Adam of Germany in two straight sets of 21-12; 21-15 in a match that lasted 28 minutes at Paris 2024 Paralympics.
He is back again at the third edition of the annual festival of rackets and shuttles. He is not the only star to watch out for.
Anambra State’s Jovita Anakwe and Queen Chibuzor now featuring for Abia State are the singles’ champions in the previous editions.
They are back with more vigour in this edition.
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