BFN President Calls for More Competitions to Keep Para Athletes in Shape

Posted : 22 July 2025

Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), has emphasized the need for more competitions to keep para-athletes fit ahead of international championships.

Orbih stated that the federation needs to produce more elite players like Olympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji in order to achieve strong results at global events.

Bolaji won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France. She also clinched gold at the Egypt Para-Badminton International in January and again topped the podium with gold at the 2025 Spanish Para-Badminton International in Vitoria in March.

The BFN President said the just-concluded 5th edition of the Para-Badminton Open Championship, held last week in Umuahia, Abia State, showcased many talented athletes.

According to Orbih, the tournament highlighted not only the growth of para-sports in Nigeria but also Abia’s rising status as a hub for sports development.

“A total of 14 states participated in the championship, and they all performed well in their respective events.

During the competition, the federation was able to identify several promising athletes who will be nurtured for future international competitions to make the country proud,” he said.

Orbih also commended Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for his support in helping young athletes showcase their talents.

“We extend our gratitude to Governor Otti for his financial support in hosting the event on behalf of the federation.

We thank him for his words of encouragement to the athletes and for his physical and moral support,” he said.

Abia emerged as overall winners of the championship with a total of 17 medals: 5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze.

Plateau State finished second with 8 medals: 4 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze.

Ogun State came third, collecting 5 medals: 3 gold and 2 bronze, while Kwara State finished fourth with 3 gold medals.

Imo State rounded out the top five with 9 medals: 1 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze.

Other rankings include:

Rivers State: 6th place — 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze (3 medals)
Kebbi State: 7th place — 1 gold, 1 silver
Delta State: 8th place — 1 gold
Akwa Ibom: 9th place — 2 silver medals
Bayelsa State: 10th place — 1 silver and 4 bronze (5 medals)

The first Abia Para-Badminton International Championship is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 5, 2025.

This will be followed by the All Africa Para-Badminton Championship, scheduled for October 6 to 12 in Abia State.

BFN President Calls for More Competitions to Keep Para Athletes in Shape

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