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.