Sports
Badminton Community Honors Gabriel Gbayan with Night of Tributes in Abuja
The badminton community came together in full force to honor the life and legacy of Gabriel Gbayan, a distinguished board member of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and Chairman of the FCT Badminton Association. The emotional candlelight service, organized by the Mabilla Barrack Badminton Club (MBBC) with support from various stakeholders, was a heartfelt tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the sport.
Speaking at the event, Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), commended the organizers for their thoughtful recognition of Gbayan’s immense contributions. “I am deeply moved by what MBBC has done here tonight,” Orbih remarked. “It speaks volumes about how much they valued him, bringing together all key stakeholders to celebrate his life. Gbayan was not just a leader in the badminton community, but a kind, gentle, and family-oriented man. His passing is a great loss, not only to Nigeria but to badminton across Africa. As stakeholders, we are committed to standing by his family during this challenging time.”
Adakole Jones, a close friend and confidant of the late Gbayan, struggled to capture the magnitude of the loss. “This is an incredibly painful blow to the badminton family,” Jones shared. “All we can do now is pray that God raises up another person like him, both for his family and for the sport he loved so much.”
Rtd. Real Admiral Yusuf Idowu, Chairman of MBBC, reflected on the significance of the evening, calling the candlelight service “a small but meaningful gesture to honor a man who gave so much to badminton in the FCT and beyond.” He continued, “Gbayan’s legacy and contributions to badminton will never be forgotten. He was a steadfast pillar of support for the growth of the sport and for all those involved.”
In an emotional moment, Mrs. Doom Gbayan, the widow of the late badminton stalwart, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the tributes paid to her husband. “It brings me comfort to hear so many kind words about Gabriel and to know that his efforts are being remembered,” she said. “Though the pain of losing him is overwhelming, knowing that his legacy lives on in the hearts of so many makes it a little easier to bear.”
The night of tributes, though somber, was also a celebration of Gabriel Gbayan’s life and his lasting influence on badminton in Nigeria and beyond. His unwavering dedication, kindness, and vision for the sport will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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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