Sports
FCT Badminton Impresses at National Sports Festival as Bappa Mohammed Boosts Grassroots Pla
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman of the Badminton Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Bappa Mohammed, has pledged to intensify efforts toward the growth of badminton in the territory through grassroots-focused tournaments and youth engagement initiatives.
He made this commitment during the medal presentation ceremony at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Team FCT secured medals in both badminton and para-badminton events.
Mr. Mohammed acknowledged that despite the late start in preparation, the FCT athletes still managed to win medals, including a bronze in mixed doubles and a gold in the para-badminton category.
“We are expecting to double our medal tally after this festival,” he stated. “We started preparations a bit late, and that affected our performance.
However, we’ve discovered new talents through this competition. In FCT, we’ve been organizing several programs to take children off the streets and engage them in badminton. We’ve already launched initiatives across the six area councils.”
He emphasized that although preparations were already underway before the festival, the event temporarily slowed their momentum.
“Immediately after the festival, we’ll scale up activities. By next week, we’re set to begin the Area Council Games. We also plan to upgrade our facilities and acquire new equipment to enhance the look and feel of our badminton arenas.”
Mr. Mohammed highlighted FCT’s history of producing high-quality badminton players and expressed optimism about the next generation.
“Since I took over the leadership of the association, we’ve identified gaps and started implementing innovative strategies to reposition badminton in the FCT. There has been significant improvement, and we’re committed to sustaining that progress.”
He also pointed out some logistical challenges faced during the festival, particularly in terms of athlete accommodation.
“This festival is about showcasing talent, especially among young athletes. But when players do not get enough rest due to poor accommodation logistics, it affects their performance. In some cases, athletes were housed up to two hours away from the venue.”
Mr. Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to addressing these challenges and ensuring FCT badminton continues to thrive at both grassroots and competitive levels.
Sports
29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase
Joel Ajayi
With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.
Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.
Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.
For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.
President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.
The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.
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