The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has announced a historic milestone as the country prepares to host several prestigious international tournaments in 2025, including the World Paralympic Badminton Championship and the Africa Paralympic Badminton Championship. This honor follows a year of remarkable achievements in 2024, solidifying Nigeria’s reputation as a global force in badminton.
In recognition of Nigeria’s growing contributions to the sport, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has granted the nation the rights to host these landmark events. The World Paralympic Badminton Championship will take place from September 30 to October 5, 2025, followed by the All-Africa Paralympic Championship, scheduled for October 6 to October 12. These events are set to spotlight Nigeria’s world-class facilities while empowering and inspiring the badminton community.
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In addition to these tournaments, the BFN will host other significant activities, including the BCA African Para Badminton Workshop from November 28 to December 2 and the first-ever Media Launch of the Road to LA 2028 Paralympic Games. Furthermore, in collaboration with the BWF and BCA, the federation will organize a BWF Grade Level One Coaching Course from December 2 to December 4, aimed at equipping 13 young coaches with cutting-edge skills to nurture future badminton stars.
BFN President Francis Orbih attributed this international recognition to Nigeria’s exceptional achievements in recent years. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Trumpet Sports Correspondence, Orbih emphasized that preparations are already underway to ensure the success of these events. He highlighted the federation’s commitment to excellence, pointing to 2024 as a turning point for Nigerian badminton.
Among the standout moments of 2024 was Anuoluwapo Opeyori’s stellar performance at the All-African Badminton Games, where he played a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s qualification for the senior Olympic Games in Paris. Opeyori made history as the first Nigerian to captain Team Nigeria at the Olympic Games, showcasing his leadership both on and off the court.
Another monumental achievement came from Eniola Bolaji, a Nigerian para-badminton star who earned a bronze medal in the SL3 event at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Bolaji’s historic win marked him as the first African to secure a medal in badminton at the Paralympics. His success was a result of BFN’s strategic investment, which included a four-month training camp in Spain to refine his skills.
The 2025 tournaments and workshops are set to take place in Umuahia, Abia State, with activities spanning from September 30 to December 4, 2025. These events are expected to not only boost Nigeria’s global badminton profile but also inspire the next generation of athletes and coaches.
With these achievements and upcoming events, Nigeria is poised to cement its legacy as a powerhouse in the world of badminton. The BFN’s dedication to developing world-class athletes and fostering a vibrant sporting culture continues to position the country as a leader on the global stage.
