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
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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