Sports
”President Bola Tinubu’s Commitment and Leadership Will Transform Nigerian Sports Sector” – Sunday Dare
Joel Ajayi
The opening ceremony of the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, was marked by a rousing address from Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, who reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to grassroots sports development and the future of Nigerian sports industry .
In his speech, Chief Dare praised President Tinubu for his bold leadership and visionary approach to sports administration.
“I want to also thank President Tinubu for putting sports administration in the hands of two very capable people, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko and DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade. These two people come with vast experience. These men will work with others, including women, to develop our sports,” he stated.
Chief Dare underscored the Presidency’s passion for sports, noting that recent gestures of recognition and reward for Nigeria’s female teams underscore a new era of government support.
“Nothing demonstrates the Presidency’s unprecedented love and support for sports like the way President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, supported and rewarded the Super Falcons and D’Tigress. They will continue to support sports development at the grassroots. They will support all sports,” he declared.
Highlighting the significance of the National Youth Games as a pipeline for talent discovery, Dare stressed the need for structured investment in young athletes.
“The National Youth Games is the source of the talents the nation needs to achieve sporting glory. These young talents are identified, nurtured, and fed to our sporting federations to be trained to represent Nigeria in global sporting events. Like it’s often said ‘the gold is in the child.’ From the young ages of 15 years and downwards, we must find and develop them,” he said.
The 9th edition of the National Youth Games, holding from August 26 to September 6, 2025, features 37 sporting events with participants from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Chief Dare’s remarks reinforced the message that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is determined to transform grassroots sports into a powerhouse for national unity, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness.
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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