Sports

Vandrezzer FC Donates Half A Million To Journalists

Published

6 years ago

May 28, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The strive of a compassionate, generous, kind-heart of Vandrezzer Football Club of Akwa Ibom .is continue to wax stronger day by day as the NNL club side donated a whopping sum of N500,000 to the Journalists under the aegis of Rebranded NSM as part of his effort to cushion the effect of COVID-19 that has crippled every sphere of life.

Just days ago, a 5,000 capacity township stadium in Ikot Ekpene District of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Wears A New Look Courtesy of Vandrezzer FC.

Vandrezzer FC a club that has invested so much in youth development, the peoples club, the most loved football club in the south.

These palliative kits include face masks, hand sanitizers and thermometer to members of the pen profession.

While thanking the club on behalf of the Media, NSM Chief Admin Mr. Wale Ajayi (SAJ) thanked Vandrezzer FC for the club’s hand of gesture.

According to him, why will there be NPFL without Vandrezzer FC? Ohhh my Vandrezzer, a club that has invested so much in youth development, the peoples club, and the most loved football club in the south. We love you Vandrezzer and on this day, you have added another 100 fans to your list

“Vandrezzer football club has just donated 500,000 nairas to the NSM palliatives. Alert was received a few minutes ago. Let’s go on our knees and pray for Mr. Vandrezzer.”

He, however, encouraged more of wellbeing Nigerians to join the growing number of personalities who have supported the media.

However, the NSM group has beaten the imagination of many associations in the country and beyond because of its, self-less ambition that is devoid of the malicious statement, dirty politics, and other negativities but focuses solely on the growth and well-being of the member since the inception some years ago.

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Sports

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

Published

18 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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