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
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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