Sports

National Assembly Pledges Full Support For NUGA, University Sports Development

Published

6 months ago

November 13, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has assured the Nigeria Universities Games Association (NUGA) of the National Assembly’s full support in completing sports infrastructure across universities, particularly at the University of Jos, host of the 2025 NUGA Games.

The Speaker made the commitment through the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, alongside the Committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Jajere, received the NUGA delegation on Thursday in Abuja.

Hon. Amadu, speaking on behalf of the Speaker, pledged legislative backing and collaboration with relevant government agencies to ensure university sports facilities meet international standards.

“I can assure you that the National Assembly will support your projects. All you need to do is make the formal request, and I will personally follow up,” he stated. “It is part of our Committee’s plan to ensure that by 2026, every Nigerian university has a functional sports complex or mini-stadium capable of hosting international competitions.”

He added that developing such facilities would not only enhance the university environment but also create opportunities for young athletes to build careers in sports.

NUGA Seeks Legislative Partnership
Leader of the NUGA delegation, Mr. Gushen Obey, expressed appreciation for the warm reception by the Speaker and members of the Sports Committee. He explained that the visit aimed to strengthen ties between the association and the legislature ahead of the 27th edition of the NUGA Games, scheduled to be held at the University of Jos from November 6 to 16, 2025.

According to him, this year’s Games will feature a record 91 participating universities and a combination of sporting and cultural events.
“We invited the National Assembly to be part of the closing ceremony to help promote unity and change the narrative about Jos as a city of peace,” he said.

Obey noted that several sports facilities at the University of Jos such as hockey, cricket, and indoor sports halls have been newly completed, while others remain under construction.

“Our goal is to keep students engaged through sports because sports unify everyone in Nigeria,” he added. “We are seeking the National Assembly’s assistance in completing ongoing projects estimated at ₦13 billion to ensure the university can host international competitions. We also want to start exporting Nigerian sports talent to the world and raise the hopes of our youth.”

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Sports

Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building

Published

15 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

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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