The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) continues to push the boundaries of sports development in the country, with a clear vision towards excellence and early preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
At the heart of this vision is the federation’s investment in capacity building, as evidenced by the just concluded one-week Badminton World Federation (BWF) Level 1 Coaching Course, which marked a milestone for Nigerian badminton.
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 it 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 led by Dr. Ahmed Radah, BCA Development Officer.
Radah, impressed by the talent he witnessed, praised Nigeria’s potential.
“Nigeria has immense talent and a strong badminton tradition. I think this country has what it takes to dominate the world stage,” he said.
For BFN President Francis Orbih, this initiative is more than a coaching course: it is the cornerstone of a broader vision aimed at making Nigeria a powerhouse in African and global badminton.
“The growth and development of badminton should be a whole: players, coaches and officials must develop together. This course is a vital investment and I am confident that we will reap the rewards in the years to come,” said Orbih.
Orbih further explained the meticulous participant selection process: “The African body gave us specific criteria, and although many applied, only 13 met the standards. This ensured representation from across the country and the inclusion of promising retired players transitioning into coaching. This is a deliberate step towards building a solid foundation.
The training also serves as a precursor to Nigeria’s hosting of the 2025 African Badminton Championship, a crucial event in the roadmap to Los Angeles 2028. According to Orbih, the course aligns with the federation’s goal to create a pool of highly qualified coaches capable of effectively nurturing talent at all levels.
The course is not just about skills: it is a bridge to future opportunities.
“These coaches need to stay active and apply what they have learned to qualify for the next Level 2, which we plan to host next year. It’s about maintaining 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 at international level.
Orbih reiterated the importance of global exposure for young players: “Our talents need funding and international competitions to compete with the best in the world. The journey began, with two of our players traveling to Malaysia to train as part of the African body’s program in January.
With the BWF coaching course leading the way, the BFN’s commitment to empowering coaches and players demonstrates its drive to put Nigerian badminton on the global map.
As Orbih eloquently said: “This is just the beginning of a journey that will redefine the future of badminton in Nigeria. »
