Sports

Atiba FC Crowned Champions of 2022 Seasiders Cup

Published

4 years ago

July 24, 2022

The 2022 Seasiders Football tournament came to a close after a thrilling encounter in the final played Sunday at the Seasiders Stadium, Zone 1, Lugbe Abuja.

Back to back champions Atiba FC lived up to the billing by defeating hosts team Seasiders FC 2-0 to win the trophy for a record third time.

Gideon Olakin gave the champions the lead in the 67th minute from the penalty spot after Emmanuel of Seasiders FC was adjudged to have handled the ball with his hand in the 18 yard box. Olakin steps up to give Atiba FC a deserving lead.

When it’s looks like Seasiders FC are looking to draw level, the heroics of the eventual winner of the goalkeeper of the tournament Dahiru kept them asking the questions.

With no answers to those questions, Kenneth of Atiba FC in the 72nd minute was left unmarked from the edge of the box and the versatile midfielder made no mistake as he fires in a rocket shot into the bottom corner to further compound the woes of Seasiders FC and increases Atiba FC lead to 2 nil.

All efforts of the hosts team to respond were hitting the brick until the final whistle was blown. 2-0 it ended in favour of the defending Champions Atiba FC who have now successfully won the title for a record third time.

Gbokoro of Atiba FC won the most valuable player of the tournament while Emmanuel Ayaka of Zuma of FC with 5 goals scoop the highest goal scorer award.

In other the categories of awards, Ayo Olarewaju of Legbere FC won the best young players of the tournament, Dahiru of Seasiders FC won the golden gloves as the best goalkeeper while the coach of the tournament was awarded to Zuma FC Coach.

Cash as we as medals were presented to various winners as organizers of the tournament promise to make the fourth edition of the tournament bigger and better.

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Sports

Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building

Published

17 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

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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