The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has received a major 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 on Wednesday, underscored the growing sporting partnership between Nigeria and Japan. Among those in attendance were Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko; Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, 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 stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Suzuki described the donation as a symbol of the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Japan, noting that sport remains a powerful platform for strengthening international cooperation and mutual understanding.
He explained that the donation was made under the Japanese Government’s Sport for Tomorrow initiative, which promotes global sporting exchanges.
According to him, the partnership was initiated through discussions between President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, and President of the Badminton Association of Japan, Mitsuru Murai, both members of the Badminton World Federation Council, while Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitated the shipment by covering international transportation costs.
The donated items include 55 badminton rackets, 44 shuttlecocks, six racket covers and three racket bags, all of which the ambassador said remain in excellent condition for continued use.
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He expressed hope that the equipment would contribute to the growth of badminton in Nigeria and inspire more young people to embrace the sport.
BFN President Francis Orbih thanked the Japanese Government and the Badminton Association of Japan for the gesture, describing the donation as a significant contribution to the development of badminton in the country.
Orbih disclosed that the federation had also secured another consignment comprising 500 badminton rackets, 100 nets and 200 shuttlecocks, which he described as a major step towards addressing the shortage of equipment across the country.
He further revealed plans to register badminton academies nationwide and launch a National Badminton League to strengthen grassroots development and provide a clear pathway for emerging talents.
According to him, the donated equipment will be prioritised for members of the national senior and junior teams, while additional supplies will support competitions and grassroots initiatives such as Shuttle Time to encourage wider participation.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, commended the federation for attracting strategic international partnerships capable of enhancing athlete development.
He noted that improved access to quality badminton equipment would raise training standards and boost the competitiveness of Nigerian players on the international stage.
Dikko also praised the Japanese Government for its support, assuring that the equipment would be effectively deployed to advance badminton development across Nigeria.
The Badminton Federation of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships to expand grassroots participation, improve athlete development and position Nigeria among Africa’s leading badminton nations.
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