By Georgina Adegbie

Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, on Monday said the federation needed to organise more competitions to keep the athletes fit ahead of international championships.

Orbih told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the federation needed to produce more players like Olympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji, to produce good records at international championships.

NAN reports that Bolaji won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France.

She also won gold at the Egypt Para Badminton international in January.

Bolaji again won gold medal in March at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton international in Vitoria.

The president said that the just-concluded 5th edition of the para-badminton open championship, which held last week in Umuahia, Abia, showcased many skilled athletes.

According to Orbih, the tournament brought attention not only to the growth of para-sports in Nigeria, but also to Abia’s rising profile as a hub for sports development.

“A total of 14 states participated in the championship, and they all did well in their competitions.

“During the competition, the federation was able to identify a good number of athletes that will be nurtured for future international competitions to make the country proud,” he said.

The president lauded Gov. Alex Otti of Abia for his support for young athletes in showcasing their talents.

“We are saying a big thank you to Otti for his financial support to host the event on behalf of the federation.

“We thank him for his words of encouragement to the athletes; we thank him for his physical and mental support,” he said.

NAN reports that the championship was held from July 14 to 17 in Umuahia, Abia.

NAN reports that Abia emerged the overall winner of the championship with a total of 17 medals comprising 5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze.

Plateau came second with eight medals, 4 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze.

Ogun was placed third with a total of five medals, 3 gold and 2 bronze, while Kwara emerged fourth with 3 gold medals.

Imo completed the top five with a total of nine medals overall: 1 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze.

Others were Rivers in sixth position, winning a total of three medals (1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze), followed by Kebbi State in seventh with 1 gold and 1 silver.

Delta won one gold to place 8th position, Akwa Ibom finished ninth with 2 silver medals, while Bayelsa went home with a total of five medals of 1 silver and 4 bronze to finish 10th.

NAN reports that the first Abia Para Badminton International Championship is scheduled to take place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5.

The All Africa Para Badminton Championship will begin on Oct. 6 to 12 in Abia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh