By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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 Sport for Tomorrow (SFT) initiative.
The presentation ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders, including the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Suzuki Hideo, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director General of the National Sports Commission Bukola Olopade, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee Engr. Habu Gumel, Director General of the National Institute for Sports Philip Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development Anthony Adegboye, and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Suzuki described the donation as a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Japan and Nigeria through sport.
He explained that the donation is part of Japan’s global Sport for Tomorrow initiative, aimed at promoting international sporting exchanges and cooperation.
The Ambassador disclosed that the project was initiated through discussions between Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and a Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council Member, and Mitsuru Murai, President of the Badminton Association of Japan and fellow BWF Council Member.
He added that Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported the initiative by covering the international transportation costs.
The donated equipment comprises 55 badminton rackets, 44 shuttlecocks, six racket covers and three racket bags. Although pre-owned, Ambassador Suzuki said the items were carefully maintained and remain in excellent condition for use.
“We sincerely hope this donation will contribute to the continued growth and development of badminton in Nigeria, enabling more people to enjoy the sport and inspiring the younger generation to pursue their sporting dreams,” he said.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, described the donation as a timely intervention, noting that access to quality equipment has remained one of the biggest challenges facing the sport in the country.
“We are very happy as a federation. This is a commendable gesture, and we are looking forward to building on this partnership because equipment is key to players’ development,” Orbih said.
He also revealed that the federation has secured another batch of 500 badminton rackets, alongside nets and shuttlecocks, which will further strengthen its grassroots development programmes.
Orbih disclosed that the federation is working towards establishing registered badminton academies across the country and launching a National Badminton League to create more opportunities for players and accelerate the sport’s growth.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, applauded the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for attracting international support, saying the donation would significantly improve training standards for Nigerian athletes.
He noted that access to quality and specialised badminton equipment would better prepare players for international competitions while describing the gesture as another milestone in the growing sporting relationship between Nigeria and Japan.
The donation is expected to play a vital role in strengthening grassroots participation, enhancing athlete development and deepening the long-standing partnership between the two countries through sport.
