After chatting the course to Olympic glory and with the Los Angeles Games in view, badminton is fast spreading like wildfire into every part of Nigeria.

Recently Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) with the support of the continental body, the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) held a coaching course.

Other bodies have taken the baton with the Francis Ibhawoh Foundation taking the lead by organizing training courses for prospective badminton players in secondary schools in Uromi, Edo State.

It was also extended to game masters and mistresses in Uromi in Esan Northeast Local Government Area of Edo state.

The event was held in collaboration with BFN, the Edo State Ministry of Education, and the Edo State Sports Commission and powered by CSED (Community Sport and Educational Development) Initiative.

The two-day training event involving 69 students from 23 secondary schools, was held at the indoor hall of Esan Model Grammar School on 22 and 23 January 2025.

Three badminton “Shuttle Time” trained coaches, Godswill Ifejika, Olalekan, Fajimiyo, and Blessing Osayomwanbo were on the ground to offer the basic skills to the students.

The badminton outreach for secondary schools’ project is designed to teach game masters and mistresses and the students, the basic skills in Badminton.It is one of the rare training events in sports where students and their teachers learn a sport together at the same time. 

The game master of Irrua Girls Secondary School, Ambrose Okonofua remarked that “we were pleased with the training which has impacted positively on us and our students.

“The program has in the last two days engaged the minds of the students and I am confident of seeing world champions emerging from these badminton outreach training events in Nigeria in future.”

 Also, one of the coaches, Olalekan Fajimiyo commended the schools for their massive turnout and their show of passion adding that, it was one outreach with very high numbers of participants in attendance at the grassroots level.

Declaring the event closed, the Commissioner of Education who was represented by the Principal of Ujoelen Grammar School, Ekpoma, commended the sponsors for their commitment towards the development of badminton in Edo State and the country in general.

She also applauded the turnout of secondary schools and said that it is a reflection that Edo State is the hub of sports in Nigeria.

She also thanked the Trustees of the Francis Ibhawoh Foundation for bringing badminton to their doorstep.

She expressed the hope that other prominent sons and daughters of Esanland will strive to bring pro-social activities that will have a positive impact on the people of Esanland. 

The highlight of the outreach training was the presentation of basic badminton equipment (rackets, nets & shuttles) to all the 23 secondary schools that participated in the outreach training courtesy of Francis Ibhawoh Foundation and CSED Initiative.

It would be recalled that in the past three years, the BFN has embarked on using outreach training and their Shuttle Time training to spread the development of the games in different towns and cities in Nigeria.

This has made BFN to be the most students and teachers friendly sports Federation in Nigeria.

The BFN has also taken the game to IDP Camp Uhogua and specifically trained asylum seekers/refugees on how to play badminton in Ogoja (Cross River State).

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As a follow-up to the “Road to LA 2028” program initiated by the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) and held in Abuja earlier this December, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) is investing in capacity building.

The objective, according to the Federation’s president, Francis Orbih, is to let Nigerian badminton players get a better outing at the LA 2028 Olympics.

“We will continue to push the boundaries of sports development in the country”, he remarked.

As a first step, the BFN has focused on the coaches so that they can impart to the players.

The BFN has just concluded a one-week Level 1 Badminton World Federation (BWF) Coaching Course, which marked a significant milestone for Nigerian badminton.

Level 1 Badminton World Federation (BWF) Coaching Course in progress in Abuja.

Held in Abuja, the course brought together 13 young coaches from across Nigeria.

The last time such a course was held in the country was in 2017, making this a historic and transformative step.

The training was facilitated by the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) in partnership with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and conducted by Dr. Ahmed Radah, the BCA Development Manager.

Radah, impressed by the talent he witnessed, praised Nigeria’s potential.

“Nigeria is blessed with immense talent and a strong badminton tradition. I believe this country has what it takes to dominate on the global stage,” he remarked.

For BFN President Francis Orbih, this initiative is more than a coaching course—it is a cornerstone of a broader vision to make Nigeria a powerhouse in African and global badminton.

“The growth and development of badminton should be a total package—players, coaches, and officials must evolve together. This course is a vital investment, and I am confident we will reap its benefits in the years to come,” Orbih affirmed.

Orbih further explained the meticulous selection process for the participants: “The African body gave us specific criteria, and while many applied, only 13 met the standards. This ensured representation from across the country and the inclusion of promising retiring players transitioning into the coaching. It is a deliberate step toward building a solid foundation.”

The training also serves as a precursor to Nigeria’s hosting of the 2025 Africa Badminton Championship, a pivotal event in the roadmap to LA 2028. According to Orbih, the course aligns with the federation’s goal of creating a pool of highly skilled coaches who can effectively nurture talents at all levels.

The course isn’t just about skills—it is a bridge to future opportunities.

“These coaches must remain active and apply what they have learned to qualify for the next grade level 2, which we plan to host next year. It’s about sustaining momentum through consistent programs and competitions,” Orbih added.

Nigeria’s potential in badminton and para badminton is undeniable, with players like Eniola Bolaji and Anuoluwapo Opeyori already making waves internationally.

Orbih reiterated the importance of global exposure for young players: “Our talents need funding and international competitions to compete with the world’s best. The journey has started, with two of our players heading to Malaysia for training under the African body’s program in January.”

With the BWF Coaching Course setting the stage, the BFN’s commitment to empowering coaches and players demonstrates its readiness to put Nigerian badminton on the global map.

As Orbih eloquently put it, “This is just the beginning of a journey that will redefine the future of badminton in Nigeria.”

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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