Sports

NSC, DICON Join Forces to Upgrade Shooting Range to World-Class Standard

Published

3 months ago

February 5, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is partnering with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Gray Insignia Nigeria Limited to upgrade, build, and manage the Nigeria Shooting Federation to international standards, Which will provide a training range for our athletes to enhance their performance to world standard.

This took place on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026, at the Shooting Complex at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Builder Mohammed Rabiu, who represented NSC Leadership, said that the facility, previously neglected, would be soon transformed to international standards thanks to the efforts of former President of Nigeria Shooting Federation Gen. Adeoye.

“We say that man proposes, God disposes. This is part of the effects of his input that brought us to where we are now,” said Builder Mohammed, praising the initiative.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is now focused on economic growth, leveraging private sector partnerships to drive development. ” The government has included us amongst those generating revenue, rather than being a social agency,” Builder Rabiu stated.

To this end, now, the Commission is collecting gate fees and leasing areas and hopes the upgraded facility would attract international events, which will generate revenue’s for the club, federation, and the government.

” We must encourage our partners to achieve this so others will be inspired to invest,” builder Rabiu added, emphasising the importance of responsible facility’s usage.

Therefore, the Federation is urged to provide a list of athletes and officials who will use the facility for training and events in due time , ensuring efficient management, and maximising benefits for all stakeholders.

The former President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation, Gen. Lonsdale Oladeji Adeoye Rtd. A stakeholder, and also part of the developers, has expressed optimism about the upgraded shooting range. Saying it is a step towards making Nigeria a hub for sports in Africa.

“We have the capacity to grow more than this,” he said, noting that the facility was initially built incomplete. He recalled a design approved by the International Shooting Committee (ISC) when Egypt built its range, now one of the best globally.

“We can’t argue with them, but I know God will help us get to that stage soonest,” Gen. Adeoye said, praising President Tinubu’s ” renewed hope” agenda.

He is heartened by the calibre of people involved and assured cooperation from the new shooting sports executives.

Gen. Lonsdale went ahead to intimate that the Federation aims to work with private partners, develop local coaches, and manage the facility efficiently. “We do not dream mediocrity,” he said, highlighting 33 developed coaches and gate C coaches – a rare feat he enthused.

” The World Body for Shooting Sports is interested in Nigeria’s progress, making this a “golden opportunity” to get things right.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DICON GRAY INSIGNIA NIGERIA LIMITED, who is also the Managing Director (MD) Mr. Bem – Ibrahim Garba stated that since 2012, they have been under divine preparation. “Our journey has included designing shooting ranges and developing various projects. However, our aspiration to contribute to shooting sports had not materialised until now. “

He said that shooting sports holds significant importance for us as a people, a nation, a continent, and on a global scale. Nigeria has the potential to make a notable impart on the international stage in this sport, but achieving that requires proper infrastructure.

While developing such infrastructure is costly, we are committed, and by God’s grace, we will establish a state of the art facility that enables our athletes sport shooters, recreational shooters and members of the military and law enforcement to train at a competitive level with their peers worldwide.

Mr. Garba emphasised, “we will not hold back on expenses. We assure the management of NSC and all stakeholders that this partnership will be exemplary and a model for others to emulate.

Furthermore, we are dedicated to collaborating closely with the Federation’s aspirations, dreams, and vision, and we will provide the necessary support to ensure that Nigeria starts winning significant medals in shooting sports. “

The documents MoU were signed and handed over to the company by Leadership, thanking the company for partnering with the Commission to upgrade and manage the federation’s shooting range that will provide a training range for our athletes to enhance their performances in international standard, and at the same time, the facility will also generate funds for the federal government and the company as well.

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Sports

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

Published

17 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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