Sports

Badminton Confederation Africa launches “Path to Olympic Glory” in Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

November 22, 2024

Joel Ajayi

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.

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Sports

NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu

Published

19 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.

Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.

The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.

“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.

“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”

Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.

He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.

Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.

“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.

He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.

On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.

Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.

“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.

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