Sports
1st African School Games Comes to a Joyous End, as Nigeria Clinches 25 Medals, Secures 2027 Hosting Rights
The curtain has officially fallen on the 1st African School Games in Algiers, Algeria, which was a grand a celebration of youth, talent, and continental unity.
Team Nigeria concluded the Olympic-styled event , finishing with an impressive 25 medals, comprising 6 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals across 10 different sports. Nigeria ranked 4th on the log behind hosts nation, Algeria, followed by Egypt, and Tunisia.
In a symbolic moment during the closing ceremony, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and hosts, Algeria formally handed over the host’s flag to Nigeria, signifying the country’s emergence as the official host of the 2nd African School Games in 2027. This monumental achievement reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leader in African youth sports and development.
Speaking after the closing ceremony, Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, lauded the athletes for their performance, discipline, and representation of the nation.
“These Games have shown us that the future of Nigerian sports is not only bright but it is unstoppable. Our young athletes have demonstrated courage, skill, and heart. This exposure will go a long way in preparing them for even greater stages.”
“The African School Games is about more than competition; it’s about building a generation that believes in unity, hard work, and national pride. We are proud of every athlete, coach, and official who represented Nigeria with dignity and excellence.”
Beyond the medal tally, Nigeria’s greatest victory lies in the exposure and life-changing experience gained by its student-athletes, many of whom wore national colors on an international stage for the first time.
The Games served as a powerful platform to nurture emerging talents, while instilling the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, and igniting the spirit of patriotism and ambition.
Hon. Olopade also extended appreciation to the Algerian government and ANOCA for the successful organization of the inaugural Games, while assuring that Nigeria will raise the bar in 2027, with a world-class hosting experience.
Upon their return to the country, Team Nigeria will be officially hosted by the National Sports Commission, where the athletes and officials will be celebrated for their outstanding performance. This special reception will precede an other national ceremonies planned to further honor and recognize the team’s achievements.
Sports
Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, says the federation has launched an ambitious reform programme anchored on structured planning, grassroots development, and long-term athlete progression across all levels of the sport.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, after two-day retreat at ANOCA building where board members, technical experts, and stakeholders gathered under the theme: Repositioning Badminton for Sustainable Growth’ gathered to chart a way forward for the Game.
Orbih said the sessions were designed to align stakeholders on a unified four-year strategic roadmap focused on improving governance, strengthening performance systems, and expanding participation nationwide.
He noted that key priorities discussed include technical development, coaching education, athlete welfare, and a more coordinated grassroots structure through school-based programmes.
According to him, the federation has approved the creation of 11 committees to drive implementation of its reforms, with emphasis on accountability, coordination, and measurable performance outcomes.
“We wanted a collective approach where decisions are jointly owned and implemented, with clear and measurable results.
‘’A major pillar of the plan is grassroots badminton development, particularly in schools.’’
He explained that while outreach programmes have existed, the federation is now shifting toward a more structured and data-driven approach with wider national coverage.
Orbih disclosed that the federation currently reaches an average of 25 to 30 schools per zonal outreach programme, but plans are underway to expand coverage across more states and increase consistency of engagement.
He also highlighted gaps in coaching capacity, noting that the number of certified coaches in Nigeria remains relatively low compared to other countries. The federation, he said, will intensify coaching education and certification programmes to close the gap and improve technical standards.
“We have over 100 coaches in Nigeria, but many are not actively engaged in continuous training. We want to strengthen that system and raise the standard,” he added.
The BFN president further confirmed the introduction of structured age-grade development pathways, covering under-12, under-15, under-19, and other youth categories to ensure seamless progression from grassroots to elite level.
President added that, federation plans to organise more age-group tournaments to sustain player development and improve competitive exposure.
Speaking also, the Technical Director of the federation, Tunde Kashim, also emphasised that the technical department remains central to the reform agenda, describing it as the “engine room” of badminton development in the country.
He said the department is reviewing player databases, coaching structures, and competition pathways to ensure a stronger performance system.
Kashim added that efforts will be made to upgrade coaching levels across the country, including progression through certification tiers, while also addressing the declining number of active coaches in the system.
He further revealed plans to expand youth competitions across multiple age categories, including under-12, under-15, under-16, and under-19 levels, aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline from schools to elite competition.
According to him, the federation is also working with state stakeholders to improve facilities and increase participation, while preparing for upcoming national and continental engagements.
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