Nigeria Set To Expand Badminton Development After Japan's Equipment Donation

Nigeria Set To Expand Badminton Development After Japan's Equipment Donation

By BSN Sports 

The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has received a significant boost to its grassroots and elite development programmes following the donation of badminton equipment by the Badminton Association of Japan under the Japanese Government's Sport for Tomorrow (SFT) initiative, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The equipment was presented during a ceremony in Abuja attended by senior government officials, sports administrators and diplomatic representatives, underscoring the growing sports cooperation between Nigeria and Japan.

Among those present were the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo; Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko; Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel; Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Anthony Adegboye; and other stakeholders in the sports sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Suzuki described the donation as a reflection of the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Japan, stressing that sports remain a powerful platform for fostering mutual understanding and international cooperation.

He explained that the donation was facilitated through Japan's Sport for Tomorrow initiative, which promotes global sports development and international exchange.

According to the Ambassador, the partnership was initiated following discussions between the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council Member, Francis Orbih, and the President of the Badminton Association of Japan and fellow BWF Council Member, Mitsuru Murai. He added that Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported the initiative by funding the international transportation of the equipment.

The donated items include 55 badminton rackets, 44 shuttlecocks, six racket covers and three racket bags. Ambassador Suzuki noted that although previously used, the equipment had been carefully maintained and remained in excellent condition.

"We sincerely hope this donation will contribute to the continued growth of badminton in Nigeria, enabling more people to enjoy the sport while inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams," he said.

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, described the donation as a major intervention that would support both grassroots and elite player development.

"We deeply appreciate the Badminton Association of Japan and the Japanese Government for this generous gesture. Access to quality equipment is vital to athlete development, and this partnership will further strengthen our programmes," Orbih said.

He disclosed that the federation had also secured an additional shipment of 500 badminton rackets, 100 nets and 200 shuttlecocks, describing the development as a significant step towards addressing equipment shortages that have long hindered the sport's growth in Nigeria.

Orbih further revealed plans to register badminton academies across the country and launch a National Badminton League as part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots participation and establish a sustainable pathway for emerging talents.

According to him, the donated equipment will primarily support members of the national senior and junior teams, while additional equipment will be deployed during competitions and grassroots initiatives such as Shuttle Time to expand access to the sport.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for attracting strategic international partnerships capable of advancing athlete development.

He said improved access to specialised badminton equipment would enhance training standards, improve player performance and boost Nigeria's competitiveness on the international stage.

Dikko also praised the Japanese Government for its continued support for sports development in Nigeria, assuring that the equipment would be effectively deployed to maximise its impact.

The Badminton Federation of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships to expand grassroots participation, strengthen athlete development and position Nigeria among Africa's leading badminton nations.