Sports

Paul Set To Begin Second Missionary Journey As Flying Eagles Chief Coach- NFF

Published

6 years ago

June 15, 2020

Paul Set To Begin Second Missionary Journey As Flying Eagles Chief Coach- NFF

Like the biblical Paul who went on three missionary journeys preaching the gospel and performing miracles, another Paul is set to embark on his second missionary journey as Flying Eagles chief coach.

Adjudged the best National team coach in 2019 due to his sterling performances with the Under 20 National team that saw Nigeria make it to the last 16 of the 2019 FIFA Under 20 world cup in Poland and a Silver winning exploit at the All Africa games in Egypt, Paul is the man looking good to get the job again

Blessed with UEFA A’ Licence certificate, the former Warri Wolves and Enyimba FC chief coach is currently in the United kingdom undergoing intensive coaching from some of the world’s best coaches as the Covid-19 pandermic persists.

He has travelled from London to Ireland and lately Scotland to beef up his credentials

A top official of the NFF told this reporter that Paul is top on a list of four and is looking food for the job. According to him, Paul Aigbogun has done well for himself after the Under 20 World cup in Poland. I understand that a few persons are not happy with his team’s performance in Poland but he remedied the situation with a fine showing in Egypt during the AAG. I am not his fan but from what i hear and based on the list of those who applied for the Flying Eagles job, he stands out interms of credentials and exposure.

Remember, this is not entirely the NFF’s decision to make. I am not saying we can’t make some inputs but the decision is that of Prime Water company PWC. We have given them the authority to act on our behalf. They are seriously scrutinising all the applications on their table and will come out with the best names in the coming days.

I understand why many are saying Paul will get it because from the list of coaches that have appled for the Under 20 job, he stands out.

All i can say for now, is that everyone should stay calm with fingers crossed, a definite decision will be made that will be in the best interest of Nigerians he concluded.

Five of Paul Aigbogun’s discoveries from the last FIFA world cup have gone on to sign improved contracts with top European clubs.

Share on Facebook

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.

Share on Facebook