Sports
Int’l Handball Federation (IHF) Elevates Terence Vembe of Nigeria Into Top Arbitration Panel
By Chinedum Ohanusi
Nigeria’s Terence Terfa Vembe has been appointed to serve as member of the Arbitration Tribunal of the International Handball Federation (IHF), the sport’s world governing body.
According to the letter appoinnting him, which is dated April 9, 2026 and personally signed by the IHF President Dr. Hassan Moustafa, the tribunal is to serve for the IHF electoral year 2005 to 2029.
In the same letter, which was sighted by Sports Day Online, it was noted that Mr. Vembe who trained as a lawyer, was considered for the appointment, following the decision of the IHF Council, and in pursuant to the resolution of the IHF Congress, which authorized the Council in that regard.
The Arbitration Tribunal, is the highest appellate adjudicating body of the IHF, and sits on appeals from decisions of the Arbitration Commission, which consists of a Chairperson and ten members, elected by the IHF Congress with each Continental body having at least one member.
Until this appointment, Mr. Vembe has been the incumbent Executive Director of the Commonwealth Handball Association (CHA), since. He is also the founder and Principal Partner of Anakerem Chambers, the Law Offices of Terfa Vembe & Co.
Previously, he worked in another law firm, an his legal practice had been centred on civil and criminal litigation, across courts within Nigeria and the West African sub-region; with landmark judgments to his name.
The Benue-born administrator, is also a former international Handball Player who also played in the Nigeria National Handball Premier League with the Benue Buffaloes Handball Club, based in Makurdi, Benue State.
By and large, Mr. Vembe stands out as a grassroots sports development champion. He was a pioneer member, and Secretary of the defunct Rockets and Lynxes Handball Clubs, Gboko.
He was also at various times Captain (men’s team), and Coach (men’s and women’s teams) of the University of Ibadan Handball Team. He is now a veteran of the game of handball in Nigeria, and is rightly a member of the Mega Veterans Handball, Abuja.
More crucially, Mr. Vembe is an experienced sports administrator, particularly of the game of handball. He is also the Legal Adviser of both the HFN, and African Handball Veterans Association, and is a three term member, of the Ethics and Arbitration Commission of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN).
Sports
Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, says the federation has launched an ambitious reform programme anchored on structured planning, grassroots development, and long-term athlete progression across all levels of the sport.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, after two-day retreat at ANOCA building where board members, technical experts, and stakeholders gathered under the theme: Repositioning Badminton for Sustainable Growth’ gathered to chart a way forward for the Game.
Orbih said the sessions were designed to align stakeholders on a unified four-year strategic roadmap focused on improving governance, strengthening performance systems, and expanding participation nationwide.
He noted that key priorities discussed include technical development, coaching education, athlete welfare, and a more coordinated grassroots structure through school-based programmes.
According to him, the federation has approved the creation of 11 committees to drive implementation of its reforms, with emphasis on accountability, coordination, and measurable performance outcomes.
“We wanted a collective approach where decisions are jointly owned and implemented, with clear and measurable results.
‘’A major pillar of the plan is grassroots badminton development, particularly in schools.’’
He explained that while outreach programmes have existed, the federation is now shifting toward a more structured and data-driven approach with wider national coverage.
Orbih disclosed that the federation currently reaches an average of 25 to 30 schools per zonal outreach programme, but plans are underway to expand coverage across more states and increase consistency of engagement.
He also highlighted gaps in coaching capacity, noting that the number of certified coaches in Nigeria remains relatively low compared to other countries. The federation, he said, will intensify coaching education and certification programmes to close the gap and improve technical standards.
“We have over 100 coaches in Nigeria, but many are not actively engaged in continuous training. We want to strengthen that system and raise the standard,” he added.
The BFN president further confirmed the introduction of structured age-grade development pathways, covering under-12, under-15, under-19, and other youth categories to ensure seamless progression from grassroots to elite level.
President added that, federation plans to organise more age-group tournaments to sustain player development and improve competitive exposure.
Speaking also, the Technical Director of the federation, Tunde Kashim, also emphasised that the technical department remains central to the reform agenda, describing it as the “engine room” of badminton development in the country.
He said the department is reviewing player databases, coaching structures, and competition pathways to ensure a stronger performance system.
Kashim added that efforts will be made to upgrade coaching levels across the country, including progression through certification tiers, while also addressing the declining number of active coaches in the system.
He further revealed plans to expand youth competitions across multiple age categories, including under-12, under-15, under-16, and under-19 levels, aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline from schools to elite competition.
According to him, the federation is also working with state stakeholders to improve facilities and increase participation, while preparing for upcoming national and continental engagements.
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