BFN Sets Sights on Improved Outing in 2026

Posted : 06 January 2026

The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, described 2025 as a fairly positive year for the federation, while outlining ambitious plans to consolidate recent gains and expand badminton activities nationwide.

Speaking on the federation’s progress, Orbih acknowledged the challenges faced but emphasized that the year marked a turning point, particularly in the areas of corporate sponsorship and technical development. “The year was not a bad year for us as a federation. We are definitely looking at improving on what we achieved last year because there are still many areas to cover,” he said.

A major highlight of 2025 was the signing of a landmark sponsorship agreement with GIG Logistics to support national para-badminton player Eniola Bolaji—a first in the history of Nigerian badminton.

“For the first time, we signed an agreement with a corporate body to sponsor one of our players. This has never happened before in Nigerian badminton. For us, it is just the beginning, and we hope to attract more corporate sponsorships this year, not just for players but also for events,” Orbih added.

He also acknowledged that the federation did not organise a national championship in 2025, a situation he described as less than ideal. However, he noted that a busy international calendar—including the National Sports Festival, Lagos International, Abia Para-Badminton International, and African Championship—kept players active. “We are not too comfortable with that because we want players to have competitions they can truly call their own,” he said. To address this, Orbih revealed plans to hold at least four national championships in 2026 to ensure consistent competition and player development.

Orbih highlighted significant progress in officiating and coaching. In 2025, one Nigerian umpire was accredited by the African Badminton Confederation, becoming the fourth official from Nigeria to reach that status.

The federation also trained 13 new coaches at the end of 2024, with some securing scholarships abroad. One coach attended a program in Dubai and earned a Level Two certificate, while another female coach from the Federal Capital Territory received a scholarship to South Africa and recently earned Level One certification. “As we focus on player development, we must also focus on coaches and officials. They must grow side by side,” Orbih said.

He stressed that increasing tournaments this year would provide more engagement for coaches, umpires, and players while creating a fuller competitive calendar. The All Africa Senior Badminton Championship, set for February 2026, was described as the sport’s equivalent of football’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In preparation, national players have already begun camping. “The players entered camp on Sunday, and we are hopeful they will be well-prepared for a strong outing,” Orbih said.

Expressing optimism about the future, Orbih emphasized that with better planning, stronger corporate partnerships, and enhanced technical capacity, Nigerian badminton is on a steady path toward growth and international relevance.

BFN Sets Sights on Improved Outing in 2026

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