Sports
BFN President Says Eniola Bolaji’s AWIBA Win Boosted His Re-election
Joel Ajayi
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria ,BFN, Francis Orbih, has heaped praises on Paralympic bronze medalist, Eniola Bolaji, who recently emerged as the winner of the 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award ,AWIBA. The award recognizes her outstanding achievements and inspiring journey in para-badminton.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Orbih described Bolaji’s recognition as a proud moment for the Federation and the country.
“We’ve now had two Nigerians win this award. As a federation, we knew there would be an award, but no one hinted that she would be the winner. When it was announced, it really caught me off guard. I was even called out to receive it on her behalf. I must confess, it was a bit emotional for me”, Orbih said.
He recalled Bolaji’s earlier recognition in 2021 after winning gold in Spain, making her the fourth African ever to achieve such a feat in international para-badminton.
Orbih also noted that Bolaji’s recognition played a significant role in boosting his own re-election campaign.
“The award contributed to my victory”, he admitted. “During the African General Assembly ,AGA, her achievements were mentioned in no less than three committee reports just before the elections. She was highlighted again as one of the high points of African badminton. It was a very joyful moment for me. Personally, I had to soak it all in”.
He added that the international spotlight on Bolaji also helped reinforce Nigeria’s growing status in the sport.
“It portrayed Nigeria as a country making progress and doing something good for badminton”, he concluded.
Sports
From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers
Ibadan is buzzing with excitement as the Unique Football Academy Scouting Program kicks off, bringing together top European football clubs and talented young Nigerian players.
The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, features a delegation of four directors from prominent European teams, including two from Kosovo and one from India, led by renowned football agent Diego Martins from Portugal.
The scouting program aims to identify and select outstanding players who will be given opportunities to showcase their skills in Europe.
Successful players will be offered the chance to take their careers to the next level, with the organizers assuring them of opportunities abroad.
According to the Director of the program and founder of Unique Football Academy, Mr. Jelil Oladimeji, this is not the first time the academy has organized such an event.
“This is the 4th edition, and we are proud of the progress and impact we have made so far in terms of exposing our raw talent to the European market,” he said.
The program has already proven successful, with several players from previous editions going on to excel in European leagues. Some notable examples include Haruna Saleh with PAOK in Greece and Praisegod Emersons in Slovakia.
As the program continues, clubs are gearing up to exhibit their talents, and the future looks bright for Nigeria’s young football stars.
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