Sports
Japanese Ambassador Presents 80 Badminton Rackets To The Federation
Number 1 Ranked Badminton Nation in the world, Japan has promised its partnership with Nigeria to move the game of badminton to a greater height in the country.
Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi made this known on Tuesday while presenting 80 Badminton Rackets to the Nigeria Badminton Federation in the event that took place at the Gymnasium Hall of Package B of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
According to Matsunaga, the gesture will further promote the cordial relationship between the two countries, and as well as the development of badminton in Nigeria.
“I am happy and honoured to be at this special occasion today. This is my first public outing after my arrival in Nigeria over one month ago.”
“Sport is common language understood by all people in the world, Sports has the power to unite the world, today I handover 80 rackets donated by Nippon Badminton Association to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria. I hope it will promote the development of the game in Nigeria
Reacting to the rackets donation, Chairman of Caretaker Committee of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria Barrister Francis Orbih said the gesture will surely go a long way in the development of the game in Nigeria.
“As a federation we are very happy. It is a thing that gladdens the heart. To receive these rackets from the Japanese Badminton Association, it will make huge impact as you can’t play the game without the equipments.”
“And we are also looking forward to having more collaborative partnership from Japan as we move forward.”
Mr. Orbih further stated that efforts will be intensified to create more championships through the partnership.
“For players, no matter how much they train or prepare, if you don’t give them competitions to play, it’s like it comes to nothing, as a federation what we have been looking at is to give our players more championships. If we have championship from the Japanese Ambassador, it will be a big development.”
Also speaking, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee Abu Gummel expressed optimism that the gesture will enhance the performance of Nigeria Badminton players at the Olympics
“The Badminton Federation of Nigeria under the leadership of Francis Orbih is one of our federations that have made a lot of progress, they have done well, they are doing well. It is an important collaboration between Nigeria and Japan.”
“The racket you have collected is an equipment that you will take to Tokyo to do Nigeria proud because after 40 years, you qualified for the Olympics and I believe that it will make you to qualify more athletes for the Olympics Games in Paris in 2024.”
Three Nigerian badminton players, Godwin Oloufa, Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Dorcas Adesokan are the country’s representative at the Tokyo Olympics Games which will be held from July 24 to August 2, 2021.
Sports
Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday
Cyril Ogar
Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.
The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.
The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.
It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.
“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”
The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.
Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.
She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.
In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.
They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.
The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
