Sports

Unity Pre-Season: Plateau United crowned champion

Published

5 years ago

November 8, 2021

The Solid Miners, as Nasarawa United FC are nicknamed, on Sunday afternoon, lost 0-1 to Plateau United in the final of the maiden Unity Cup Pre-season Tournament held at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Garki, Abuja.

The all NPFL-Clubs’ affair saw the rekindling of the rivalry between both North-Central teams.

The Peace Boys from Jos scored an early goal through Andrew Ikefe after benefiting from a corner kick.

Nasarawa United, with a better record against Plateau United in the duo’s previous three meetings, poured everything out to cancel the early goal. Aliyu Abdullahi, Dauda Maigishiri, Alaekwe Chijioke and Tolulope Oluwole all had the opportunity to draw level before the break but got unlucky.

Plateau United’s trio of Mohammed Zilkifilu, Akila Jesse and Mathias Samuel, also were a disturbing menace in the United’s area.

The second half saw the 2021 Aiteo Federation’s Cup runners-up piling more pressure on their next door neighbours – Tolulope’s left-footed shot after being released by Dauda Maigishiri failed to yield the desired result.

Substitute, Osas Okoro, delivered an inviting cross into the area and Ekerete Udom thought he had drawn the Solid Miners level only for his towering header to be palmed over the bar by goalkeeper, Penshak Silas, for a corner

Both teams fought harder to change the scoreline but it was to no effect as the referee, Abdulmalik Madaki, brought the entertaining finale to an end – 1-0 it ended in favour of the Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side.

Aside being presented with silver medals for coming second, striker, Tolulope Oluwole, who scored three goals for Nasarawa United at the ten day-long tournament was presented with the Highest Goalscorer Gong.

Nasarawa United will be en route to Kaduna, for a one week closed door camping before returning to Lafia, Nasarawa State, for the new league season.

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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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