Sports
BWF Council Seat a Catalyst for Badminton Growth-Orbih
Joel Ajayi
The newly elected member of Badminton World Council Seat and President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has stated that his recent election into the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council will significantly contribute to the growth and development of badminton in Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking to Journalists on Friday in Abuja, Orbih described the victory as a major step forward for the sport in the region.
“Securing this position is a great development for the growth of badminton in Nigeria and across Africa,” he said.
However, he was quick to clarify the scope of his new role. “When I was campaigning for the position, I initially thought I would be representing Nigeria or Africa. But we were made to understand that once elected, you no longer represent just your country or continent—you represent the world,” he explained.
Orbih is now one of only two Africans serving on the 20-member BWF Council, a body tasked with shaping global policies and making key decisions to drive the sport forward.
“Our focus is to create and implement policies that will enable rapid growth and global development of the game,” he said. “And when progress happens at that level, it positively affects everyone—every country and every continent.”
He expressed optimism about the future, noting the impressive calibre of individuals on the current BWF Council.
“The people in this council give me a lot of confidence. I believe we’re going to build on what has already been achieved and push the sport to greater heights. The outlook is very positive,” Orbih concluded.
Sports
Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”
“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.
“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”
In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.
“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”
The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.
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