Sports
Japan Supports Nigeria’s Badminton Future with Equipment, Grassroots Initiative
By Joel Ajayi
Japan has reinforced its commitment to the development of badminton in Nigeria with the donation of equipment to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), a move expected to accelerate grassroots development and strengthen the country’s future in the sport.
The equipment, donated by the Badminton Association of Japan under the “Sport for Tomorrow (SFT)” initiative, was presented on Wednesday in Abuja by the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Suzuki Hideo, during a ceremony attended by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, BFN President Francis Orbih, and other sports stakeholders.
The donation included 55 badminton rackets, 44 shuttlecocks, six racket covers and three racket bags, all aimed at expanding access to quality equipment and deepening the partnership between Nigeria and Japan in sports development.
Speaking at the event, BFN President Francis Orbih described the intervention as a major boost to the federation’s long-term vision of taking badminton to every part of the country.
He disclosed that another consignment of more than 500 badminton rackets, shuttlecocks and nets had already arrived in Nigeria and would soon be distributed to national team players, schools, badminton academies and community-based programmes across the country.
According to Orbih, the federation is committed to broadening participation by training games masters, supporting badminton academies and establishing Nigeria’s first National Badminton League, which will provide a structured competition platform for emerging talents.
“Our goal is not only to equip our elite athletes but also to ensure that young players at the grassroots have access to quality equipment. That is how champions are produced and the future of Nigerian badminton secured,” he said.
Japanese Ambassador Suzuki Hideo said the donation reflects the growing friendship between both countries and forms part of Japan’s “Sport for Tomorrow” programme, which promotes international cooperation through sports.
He explained that the equipment, though previously used, had been carefully preserved in line with Japan’s culture of responsible maintenance and expressed confidence that it would inspire and benefit young Nigerian players for years to come.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, commended the BFN for attracting international support through credible leadership, noting that access to world-class equipment would significantly improve athletes’ preparation for international competitions.
He also expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, revealing that athletes are currently training under excellent conditions in Aberdeen, Scotland, and remain on course to achieve the country’s medal target.
Stakeholders at the ceremony described the equipment donation as another milestone in Nigeria-Japan sporting relations and expressed optimism that sustained collaboration and investment in grassroots programmes would help produce the next generation of badminton champions for Nigeria.
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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