Sports

Excitement: Over 120 ‎Players Storm Lagos 2025 International Badminton Classic

Published

2 months ago

August 26, 2025

‎Jeph Ajayi

‎The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), in collaboration with the Badminton World Federation (BWF), is proud to announce that the prestigious Lagos International Badminton Classic 2025 will take place from August 27 to 30 at the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall, Surulere, Lagos.

‎The Lagos International Badminton Classic, sanctioned by the BWF, has grown into one of Africa’s premier badminton competitions, offering athletes from across the globe a vital opportunity to earn ranking points toward World Championships and Olympic Games qualification.

‎This year’s edition promises to be the most competitive yet, as players from 31 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas are confirmed to participate.

Among the participating nations are: India, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, France, USA, Canada, Nigeria, and Egypt, alongside other countries making the tournament a truly global affair.

‎The Lagos International Badminton Classic continues to solidify Nigeria’s reputation as a host of world-class sporting events. Athletes from diverse nations are expected to bring their finest form to Lagos, delivering four days of high-intensity matches filled with speed, strategy, and skill.

‎Speaking on the significance of the tournament, Francis Orbih, Esq- President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, stated:

‎“The Lagos International Badminton Classic is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s international sports calendar. Beyond competition, it provides our athletes with global exposure while positioning Lagos as a key destination for badminton development on the continent. We are excited to welcome the world once again.”

‎Over 120 ‎Players from the following countries are confirmed for the championship,

‎Saudi Arabia, USA, Norway, France, Ireland, Nigeria, Israel, Indonesia, Italy, Greece, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, Korea, Slovakia, Portugal, Egypt, Bulgaria, Malaysia, Philippines, Canada, Myanmar, Uganda, Cook Islands, Switzerland, India, Japan, Austria, Thailand, Iran, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates.

‎The 2025 Lagos International Badminton Classic is proudly organized by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) with the support of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), the Lagos State Government, and valued corporate partners. The tournament reflects a shared commitment to advancing sports development, promoting youth engagement, and projecting Nigeria on the global badminton map.

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‎Sports fans, corporate stakeholders, and the general public are invited to witness this four-day showcase of badminton excellence. Admission is free and live stream broadcast is available on the federation’s social media handles, ensuring fans across Nigeria and beyond can follow the action.

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Sports

Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation

Published

4 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.

The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.

In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.

“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”

Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.

“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.

“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”

The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.

“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.

He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.

As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.

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