Sports
Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building
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.
Sports
Academy records 40% reduction in injuries after safety reforms-President
The President of Talent Developer Football Academy, Abuja, Oluwole Babatunde, said the academy has recorded a 40 per cent reduction in soft-tissue injuries following the introduction of new safety reforms during the rainy season.
Babatunde who stated this in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja, said the academy adopted weather-based monitoring using updates from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to guide training schedules and ensure player safety.
He said the academy had introduced a comprehensive safety, welfare and development plan to protect players and maintain training standards in spite of the adverse weather conditions.
According to him, training sessions are now scheduled for morning and late afternoon to avoid heavy rainfall and lightning risks.
While indoor facilities are used for strength, tactical and mobility drills whenever pitches become waterlogged.
“Our pitch management team conducts daily inspections, while improved drainage systems and sand top-dressing have been introduced to reduce waterlogging and improve playing conditions.
“We do not conduct training during thunderstorms because lightning safety is a top priority.
“ Our coaches are empowered to halt sessions immediately whenever conditions become unsafe,” he said.
Babatunde said players were provided with rain gear and spare clothing, while wet kits were washed and dried the same day to prevent infections and discomfort.
He added that injury prevention measures had been strengthened through extended warm-up routines, proprioception drills and restrictions on high-intensity contact drills on slippery surfaces.
The academy president disclosed that a physiotherapist was available four days weekly, while ice therapy, taping and ankle support were provided for players with minor injuries and joint concerns.
On players welfare and health, Babatunde said the academy had partnered with a nutritionist to improve meal plans with vitamins and immune-boosting diets, while clean drinking water and hygiene education were strictly enforced.
He further said transportation arrangements had been made for Under 15 and Under 17 players during periods of heavy rainfall, including shuttle services and flexible reporting times.
According to him, parents are regularly updated through WhatsApp on any changes to training schedules.
Babatunde added that rainy-day disruptions were converted into opportunities for video analysis sessions, classroom lessons and academic tutoring to support players development on and off the pitch.
He said no weather-related hospital cases had been recorded since the measures were introduced.
On performance expectations, Babatunde said the academy remained focused on player development, discipline and measurable technical and tactical improvement rather than trophies alone.
He added that the academy aimed to produce players capable of securing trials with the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs, state team selections and scholarship opportunities.
Babatunde, who is also the Chairman of the AMAC Football Coaches Council, advised young players in Abuja to remain disciplined, consistent and education-focused, warning against shortcuts to success.
He commended football fans in the Federal Capital Territory for their continued support for grassroots football development.
“We are building players and people, not just results. Consistency, attitude and education will keep any player in the game,” he said.
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