Sports
Rising Stars League Rewards Excellence, Charts Path for Grassroots Football Growth
Joel Ajayi
In what many have described as one of the fastest-growing and most impactful grassroots leagues in Nigeria, the Rising Stars Football League (RSFL), a non-government sports initiative under the Rising Stars Football Club, on Sunday celebrated its season achievements in grand style.
The prestigious event, held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, drew football stakeholders, enthusiasts, and supporters who gathered to honour the league’s remarkable progress and the individuals who contributed to its breakout success.
The celebration marked the end of a season defined by impressive performances and meaningful youth empowerment across communities.
RSFL recognized outstanding talents with major awards. The Youngest Player of the Season, the Highest Goal Scorer, and the Coach of the Season each received ₦500,000, while the league’s Most Valuable Player walked away with a ₦1,000,000 prize—an unprecedented gesture in Nigeria’s grassroots football space.
Speaking during the official launch of the Rising Stars Football League NGO, which sets the stage for the league’s second season, Coordinator Ifeanyi Kamal praised the progress made so far and emphasized the league’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young athletes.
The atmosphere throughout the awards ceremony was electric. Despite operating with limited resources in its first season, RSFL delivered exceptional production quality, tight security, and a well-organized league that left attendees impressed by the level of professionalism on display.
With the foundation solidly laid, attention has now turned to the future. Organizers are looking to broaden their reach by attracting more sponsors, partners, and supporters.
“Now imagine what we can accomplish with stronger support. That’s why we’re bringing everyone together—people who love football and want to help us take this project to the next level.”
The awards did more than celebrate achievements—they served as an empowerment platform for young Nigerians with football dreams. “Money motivates,” the organizer explained. “Sometimes financial support is the best encouragement. Empowerment—morally, psychologically, and financially—is at the heart of what we’re doing.”
Despite growing anticipation ahead of the next edition, the team remains confident and unshaken. “There’s no pressure,” the organizer said with a smile. “I trust my team; we’re always several steps ahead. Just wait for the next edition you’ll see for yourself.”
With unwavering confidence, growing recognition, and a clear vision, the Rising Stars Football League is on track to redefine the landscape of grassroots football in Nigeria.
While speaking the FCT FA Secretary Coach Haruna Ilerika also heap Praises on the initiators
While he pledged to create more enabling environment for many young Nigeria to thrive in life
Speaking also was ex internationals Nosa Igebor, Juwon Osiniwa, Sunday Ubah and host of other ex-international who graced the occasion thumbed the organizers as they said that the initiative will not only assist young ones but it will help them to fulfil their dream in Life.
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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