Sports
Aleva Advocates Greater Recognition for Women in Badminton
Founder of the Blooming Her Foundation, Shiwuese Aleva, has called for increased recognition of women in badminton at both local and international levels. She made this appeal following the successful hosting of the maiden International Women’s Day Badminton Championship, held over three days in Abuja.
The women-focused tournament drew participants from across Nigeria and marked a significant step forward in promoting female participation in sports, particularly badminton.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Aleva подчеркнул that the initiative was designed to go beyond competition, serving as a platform for empowerment and visibility.
“This initiative is not just about playing badminton; it is about celebrating women and creating opportunities for them to be seen and recognised both nationally and globally,” she said.
Aleva noted that her long-term vision is to elevate Nigeria’s presence in women’s badminton while fostering grassroots development and strengthening national pride.
The championship featured four categories: Under-19 singles and doubles, senior active players, and veteran women. This structure ensured inclusivity, allowing athletes of different age groups and skill levels to participate.
She expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the event, highlighting strong participation and the presence of key stakeholders, including officials from the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, as signs of growing acceptance and support.
Aleva also revealed plans to make the tournament an annual event, with future editions expected to attract participants from across Africa and beyond.
Also speaking, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Barrister Francis Orbih, commended the initiative, describing it as a major boost to the sport’s development in the country.
“This tournament covers all levels of the game — from grassroots to elite and veteran players. It is a commendable effort that will positively impact badminton in Nigeria,” he said.
Orbih further called for increased private sector involvement, stressing that sustainable sports development requires collaboration between corporate organisations and sports bodies.
The successful maiden edition has generated optimism among stakeholders, with expectations that future tournaments will see broader participation and greater international recognition.
Sports
Dakar 2026: Nigeria Dazzles with Colourful Pomp and Pageantry at Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony
Joel Ajayi
Team Nigeria joined the colourful spectacle and pageantry of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games opening ceremony on Saturday, as the historic global sporting event officially got underway in Dakar, Senegal with a vibrant celebration of African culture, unity and sporting excellence.
Led by athletics sensation Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo, who served as Nigeria’s flagbearer, the Nigerian contingent proudly marched into the packed Abdoulaye Wade Stadium at Diamniadio, showcasing the country’s colours before thousands of spectators and a global audience.
The opening ceremony marked a historic moment for Africa, with Senegal becoming the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event, as young athletes from across the world gathered for the fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games.
Nwankwo, one of Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects at the Games, carried the national flag with pride, symbolising the aspirations of the country’s 19 athletes competing across six sports.
The young sprinter is expected to be among Nigeria’s leading contenders in athletics, particularly in the women’s 100m, where she will be looking to translate her impressive potential into a podium finish.
The ceremony was a spectacular display of Senegalese culture and hospitality, with music, dance, colourful performances and elaborate choreography setting the tone for 13 days of competition across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
One of the defining moments of the evening came with the arrival of the Youth Olympic flame at the stadium, following an extraordinary journey through Senegal’s 14 administrative regions over more than 45 days.
The flame was carried around the stadium before the lighting of the official cauldron, formally ushering in the Games and symbolising the spirit of friendship, peace and unity that underpins the Olympic movement.
The packed stadium at Diamniadio provided a fitting backdrop for the historic occasion, as Nigeria dazzled in their colourful green and white attires.
Nigeria will compete in athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball. The contingent comprises 19 athletes, including 12 women and seven men,
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