Sports
BFN President Applauds Falcons’ Gesture, Seeks Wider Recognition for Other Sports
By Joel Ajayi
A passionate call has gone out to the Federal Government not to let the hard work and sacrifices of athletes in non-football sports go unrecognized, as stakeholders in the Nigerian sports community commend the government’s recent gesture toward the Super Falcons while urging more inclusive recognition.
This call was made by the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, during an interview with Journalists on Friday in Abuja.
Orbih praised the government for honouring the Super Falcons following their triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), but emphasized that other athletes who have also brought glory to the country deserve equal treatment.
“We commend the Federal Government for what they did for the Super Falcons. It was unprecedented and well deserved.
“But there are many other athletes from different sports who have also done Nigeria proud, and their efforts must not go in vain.”
He pointed to the recent exploits of Nigeria’s para-badminton star, Eniola Bolaji who stunned the world by defeating the reigning world number one at a major international competition in Britain.
According to him, this achievement not only made headlines globally but also affirmed Nigeria’s growing strength in the sport.
Bolaji’s performance was outstanding. She beat the same player who denied her gold at the last Paralympic Games.
“She’s currently ranked number two in the world, and she’s closing in on the top spot. For an entire week, she was the most talked-about athlete in global badminton circles. That is no small feat.”
He strongly advocated for Bolaji and other athletes in different sports federations to be recognized at the highest level, including through a presidential reward.
The BFN president also used the opportunity to reflect on recent developments in the sport, particularly the return of the National Para-Badminton Championship, which hadn’t been held since 2022.
He said the event served as a successful test-run ahead of two major international tournaments scheduled for September and October this year.
Orbih lauded the Abia State Government, under Governor Dr. Alex Otti, for its remarkable support in hosting the championship. He cited the provision of new equipment, including an accessible sports bus and specialized mats, and the renovation of the International Conference Centre in Umuahia to international standards.
He concluded with a call for the institutionalization of athlete recognition policies across all sports.
“Let’s make it a matter of policy. Every athlete who lifts the Nigerian flag high—whether in football, Badminton, Gymnastics, swimming or any other sport deserves equal recognition,” he said
Sports
Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025
Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.
From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.
Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.
They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.
Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.
The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.
With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.
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