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GIG Logistics Becomes Official Sponsor of Eniola Mariam Bolaji’s Road to LA 2028 Paralympics

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The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has officially unveiled GIG Logistics (GIGL) as the sponsor of Nigeria’s Para-badminton sensation, Eniola Mariam Bolaji, in her journey to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

The announcement was made at a grand unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Thursday attended by top sports administrators, corporate leaders, and members of the sporting community, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s drive to support its athletes on the world stage.

Eniola, currently ranked World No. 2, has enjoyed a phenomenal run in 2025, winning gold medals at the two Spanish Para-Badminton Internationals, Egypt Para-Badminton International, and the British & Irish Para-Badminton International in Wales. She also made history with a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics, becoming the first African to win a medal at the Olympics or Paralympics in badminton or para badminton. With an unbeaten streak of 14 championships and 14 gold medals, Eniola stands as one of the most dominant athletes in global para-badminton.

The GIG logistics will cover sponsorship of Bolaji’s participation in at least three major championships yearly, in the next four years on the road to Los Angeles 2028 Olympic, covering travels, logistics, equipments and kits.

Speaking at the unveiling, Francis Orbih, Esq., President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, described the partnership as transformational.

“The partnership between the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and GIG Logistics for the sponsorship of our champion, Eniola Mariam Bolaji, is a powerful validation of her hard work, resilience, and world-class talent. This collaboration goes beyond financial support; it represents belief, trust, and an investment in excellence. For Eniola, this sponsorship is not just a boost to her journey towards the Paralympic Games; it marks a defining chapter in the history of Nigerian badminton. The BFN is proud to work with GIGL in breaking barriers, inspiring a new generation, and showcasing Nigeria’s potential in global badminton. Together, we are proving that with vision and partnership, greatness is inevitable.”

Eniola Bolaji, visibly moved by the support, expressed gratitude and renewed determination.

“I am very happy and motivated by this massive sponsorship going into upcoming major championships. I look forward to making you all proud. God bless GIG Logistics and God bless the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.”

Also speaking at the event, Sebastine Osita, Chief Executive Officer of GIG Logistics, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering Nigerian athletes.

“Supporting Nigerian athletes is not just a choice; it is a responsibility. At GIG Logistics, we are in the business of possibilities. Every day, we connect people and businesses across Nigeria and the world, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to opportunity. Our decision to sponsor Eniola goes far beyond her extraordinary talent on the badminton court. It is about her discipline, resilience, ambition, and her ability to inspire the next generation,” said Osita who was represented by Gloria Edozie, General Manager Business Services.

“At GIGL, we believe that when we invest in our athletes, we are not just funding individual careers, we are building national pride and showcasing the limitless potential of Nigerian talent. This partnership is also a reflection of our broader commitment to inclusion, youth development, and targeted CSR initiatives that give young Nigerians the platform to thrive. To Eniola, we say: your journey is a story we are honoured to be part of. Together, we will aim higher, work harder, and go further. At GIG Logistics, we don’t just move parcels, we move dreams, and today, we are proud to move yours.”

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, commended the initiative, describing it as a milestone in sports development.

“It is indeed a great honour and excitement to witness this brilliant event. I must congratulate the President and executive members of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for moving the sport in the right direction. I must also thank the sponsors, GIG Logistics, for deciding to walk the talk by providing the enabling support for Eniola to achieve not just for herself but for the country. This aligns with the vision of the National Sports Commission, and I believe GIG will deliver on their promises to make Eniola do the country and Africa proud.

“As the NSC, we are committed to supporting the Federation and Eniola to boost and sustain the gains and strides of badminton in Nigeria and beyond. I must commend Eniola’s doggedness and determination to excel in spite of challenges, and we encourage her to continue to work hard, shine at all times, and inspire others, with the support of GIG Logistics.”

The sponsorship signals a major boost for Nigerian badminton, with Eniola now set to compete at upcoming Para-Badminton tournaments as she builds momentum towards Los Angeles 2028.

With this landmark partnership, the BFN and GIG Logistics have demonstrated that Nigerian athletes can rise to the world stage when given the right opportunities, setting a strong precedent for corporate support in sports development.

The well-attended sponsorship unveiling ceremony also had in attendance Cephas Lar, former BFN & BCA President, and General Abdullahi Maikano, President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa pouring encomium on the Badminton Federation.

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Eight Athletes, 11 Medals: Applauding Asagba’s Sports Leadership At DELSU

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By Godspower Odedede

Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has recorded an impressive outing at the 15th West Africa University Games (WAUG) 2026, winning 11 medals with just eight athletes who represented the university in only three sporting events.

The university won seven gold, two silver and two bronze medals to occupy seventh position on the medal table, an achievement that underscores the potential of its athletes and the importance of purposeful investment in university sports.

DELSU participated in the men’s 100-metre sprint with two athletes, women’s judo with two athletes, and swimming with four male athletes. Despite the limited number of athletes and sporting events, the university’s medal haul was a commendable performance and a source of pride for the institution.

The achievement deserves particular recognition given the restricted scope of DELSU’s participation. With representation in only three sports, the university demonstrated that focused preparation, adequate support and the effective deployment of available talent can produce encouraging results at major university competitions.

A major highlight of DELSU’s preparation for WAUG 2026 was the approval by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, for a quality two-week training programme for the university’s athletes in Asaba.

The camp provided the athletes with an opportunity to prepare using the excellent and up-to-date training facilities available in the state capital.

The initiative is particularly noteworthy as it represents a significant commitment to structured preparation for university sports. Rather than relying solely on athletes’ natural abilities, the training programme recognised the importance of preparation, access to appropriate facilities and institutional investment in performance.

Professor Asagba deserves commendation for this intervention and for demonstrating a willingness to provide practical support for sports development at DELSU. The university’s WAUG performance offers an encouraging indication of what can be achieved when athletes receive purposeful preparation and administrative backing.

The Vice-Chancellor’s broader vision for sports infrastructure is also encouraging. Plans are understood to be underway for the construction of an ultra-modern sports complex for the university in the near future. If delivered as anticipated, the facility could significantly strengthen DELSU’s capacity for athlete development, training, competitions and sports science activities.

Such infrastructure would also support the university’s ambitions to improve its performance at national and international university games. A modern sports complex could provide a foundation for more systematic talent identification, performance monitoring, coaching development and the preparation of athletes across a wider range of sporting events.

Special recognition must also go to Mrs Epebi-Ebi Noah, the swimming coach, who was physically present at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, with the DELSU swimming team during the competition. Her presence and involvement underline the importance of coaching support, technical guidance and close supervision of athletes during major sporting events.

The performance also calls for commendation of the Chairman of the University Sports Committee, Professor Ochuko Nabofa, whose leadership has brought renewed attention and energy to sports development at DELSU. His role in supporting the university’s sports administration and helping to strengthen the sporting environment deserves recognition.

Similarly, the Acting Director of Sports, Peter Omojuwa, deserves commendation for his administrative responsibilities and contribution to the university’s sporting programme. The Chief Coach, Lucky Ajaino, should also be recognised for his role in the technical preparation and development of DELSU athletes.

The combined efforts of the university management, sports committee, sports administrators and coaches are essential to sustaining progress. While medals provide a visible measure of success, the systems established to prepare athletes and support their development are equally important to the long-term growth of university sports.

DELSU’s WAUG achievement follows another notable outing at the last Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Games, where the university finished fourth. That result was regarded as one of the finest performances in the institution’s sporting history and strengthened expectations that DELSU could become an even more formidable force in university sports.

The latest WAUG performance provides another reason for optimism. However, the university’s participation in only three events also reveals an opportunity for further growth. Expanding participation across more sports, identifying talented students and improving access to specialised training could help DELSU compete for a higher position on future medal tables.

The proposed sports complex, if realised, could play a central role in this expansion. It should ideally be supported by sustained funding, modern equipment, qualified coaches, athlete welfare programmes and collaboration with relevant sports science professionals. These measures would help ensure that infrastructure investment translates into measurable improvements in performance.

The university could also consider strengthening performance analysis, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, talent identification and systematic monitoring of athletes’ progress. Such an approach would help transform individual successes into a sustainable university-wide sports development programme.

DELSU’s performance at WAUG 2026 is worthy of celebration. Eight athletes competed in just three sporting events and returned with 11 medals, including seven gold. The result reflects the potential within the university and provides a strong basis for building a more ambitious sports programme.

Professor Asagba’s approval of the two-week training camp and the prospect of an ultra-modern sports complex offer reasons to look forward to the next phase of DELSU sports development. The challenge now is to sustain the momentum, broaden participation and ensure that the university’s sporting ambitions are matched by consistent investment and effective implementation.

With continued support from the Vice-Chancellor, the University Sports Committee, the Directorate of Sports, coaches and other stakeholders, DELSU can build on its recent achievements and strengthen its position among Nigeria’s leading sporting universities.

The message from WAUG 2026 is clear: DELSU has demonstrated what a small but well-supported contingent can achieve. With broader participation, sustained preparation and modern sporting infrastructure, the university has the potential to accomplish even greater things.

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