The Badminton Federation of Nigeria will conduct its elections in early March, with the process set to produce a new board under the supervision of the National Sports Commission.
Federation President Francis Orbih disclosed this on Thursday during a board meeting at Check Inn Hotel, Abuja, where officials discussed governance transition, athlete development and funding challenges.
“We are working in partnership with the National Sports Commission and under its guidance. The guidelines will be released by the Commission, and elections conducted strictly in line with them,” Orbih said.
He added that the election would be held in early March, after which the new board would be inaugurated.
Reflecting on his four-year tenure, Orbih attributed the federation’s progress to teamwork rather than individual effort.
“The journey of four years has been very successful to a large extent. We achieved quite a lot. I would not say I was responsible for the success alone; it was teamwork. We had a very strong and supportive board that worked closely with me,” he stated.
The outgoing president pointed to commendations from across Africa and beyond as evidence of progress, noting that feedback from past federation presidents and Sports Commission officials showed badminton was doing well.
He also praised para-badminton star Eniola Bolaji, who became the first African to win a Paralympic medal in the sport with bronze at the last Games.
“She is on course, having won the Egypt International gold medal earlier this month. She is heading to the World Para Badminton Championships next week and then to Spain in March,” Orbih said.
He revealed that Bolaji, currently ranked world number two, enjoys sponsorship support from the National Sports Commission, GIG Logistics and Yonex.
On other elite players, Orbih disclosed that Jeremiah Chigozie is on the road to Los Angeles and has been placed on a training grant by the Sports Commission.
He said Anu Opeyori is currently on scholarship in the United States, settling in and adjusting to the system to enable him compete in more tournaments.
Speaking on funding, Orbih expressed optimism about support from the National Sports Commission and private sector partners, including GIG Logistics, Yonex, Mutual Benefits Assurance and Bond Global Energy.
“Government cannot do it alone. We are hopeful of attracting more private sector support so we can make even greater progress,” he concluded.
