Sports
BFN Explains Gains Of Hosting Badminton Tourney
The Vice-President, Bad
minton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has said that the federation would host the 2014 African Cup of Nations to help in enhancing the game in the country.
Orbih told newsmen that Nigeria had already bidded for the hosting right, and was hoping to win it.
He said this was because the federation was confident that hosting the competition would improve the country’s image and enhance the sport’s development in the country.
“Hosting the competition will be a good privilege and it will also boost the growth of the sport, which has been on hold for a while.
“It will also help in boosting the ranking of our athletes, because such a competition will serve as a leverage to move up,’’ Orbih said.
He added that hosting the competition would also be a gateway for corporate bodies and individuals to sponsor the federation’s various programmes.
“Lack of sponsorship is one of the factors affecting the growth of the game.
“So, we are desperate in the hosting of the Nations Cup. We know its various advantages. It will attract both national and international interests to the federation.
“The hosting will also attract more government support and the much-needed publicity for the growth of the game,’’ the federation vice-president said.
He said the federation had not conducted any national competition since 2008, saying the situation was a setback to the development of the sport.
“The federation has been having many challenges, in organising competitions to strengthen the athletes, but that has been resolved to an extent.
“This is because the federation has mapped out some strategies for the forthcoming year to be an eventful year for both the athletes and the federation,’’ Orbih said.
He however promised that the BFN would witness a turnaround as from next year “because all hands are on deck to ensure that things change for good’’.
The federation vice-president said the BFN was still on a drive for the sponsorship of competitions and for the procurement of equipment for the athletes.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.