Sports
BFN To Defend Hosting Bid In Thailand
President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih says that Nigeria is now expected to present the country’s bid to host the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships in 2019.
Orbih told Tidesports source that the international federation was expected to meet in Thailand where the bid would be formally presented to the world body.
He said that plans were underway towards hosting a successful African senior badminton championships and that his federation had reached out to the Ministry of Youths and Sports for its total support in the initiative.
“In Thailand, I will be defending the country’s bid to host the African senior Badminton championships which would be a big step for the current board towards the development of the sport in the country.
“ This will also give us the opportunity of exposing more badminton players in the country to the international community, especially those who have never featured in such a tournament, should we get the nod to host,” he said.
Orbih, who is expected to depart for China on May 6, said he had plans to hold talks with the Chinese Badminton Association, to assist the Nigerian federation in the development of the sport.
He said that Nigerians, especially Badminton players, would also enjoy using state-of-the-art equipment, adding that his negotiations with China would also be in the area of technical development.
Meanwhile, four players have returned from a sponsored training tour to Indonesia, by Adhi Narto, the Managing Director of Cleanserve Intergrated Energy Solutions Ltd.
The players: Anuoluwa Opeyori, Godwin Olufua, Daniel Philips and Daniel Christopher, spent 63 days in Indonesia and returned home on Thursday, May 3.
They expressed gratitude to both the federation and the sponsor of the trip, for the opportunity to further develop their skills in the sport in Indonesia.
Tidesports source reports that the training tour was part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
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.
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