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 Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo, described the donation as a symbol of the enduring friendship between Japan and Nigeria, noting that sports remains a powerful tool for promoting mutual understanding and international cooperation.
He explained that the donation forms part of the Japanese government’s Sport for Tomorrow Programme, an initiative designed to expand global sporting exchanges.
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According to the envoy, the project was initiated through discussions between the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and a council member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Francis Orbih and Mitsuru Murai, President of the Badminton Association of Japan and a fellow BWF Council Member, while the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided support by covering the international transportation costs.
The ambassador noted that the equipment had been carefully maintained and remained in excellent condition for continued use.
He said,”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.
Orbih, who expressed profound appreciation to the Badminton Association of Japan and the Japanese Government, described the donation as a significant intervention for the sport.
He said, “We are very happy as a federation. We see it as a commendable gesture, and we are looking forward to building on this partnership because equipment is critical to players’ development.”
The BFN president also disclosed that the Federation has secured another shipment of 500 badminton rackets along with 100 nets and 200 shuttlecocks, describing it as a major breakthrough in addressing one of the biggest challenges confronting badminton development in Nigeria.
He added that the Federation is working on the registration of badminton academies across the country and plans to launch a National Badminton League as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots development and create a sustainable pathway for emerging talents.
He added that the donated equipment would be prioritised for members of the national senior and junior teams, while additional equipment would also be deployed during competitions and grassroots programmes like shuttletime to encourage wider participation.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for attracting strategic international partnerships capable of transforming athlete development.
He noted that access to quality and specialised badminton equipment would improve training standards for Nigerian players and enhance their competitiveness at international events.
Dikko also applauded the Japanese Government for the donation, describing it as another milestone in the growing collaboration between both countries, while assuring that the equipment would be effectively utilised to develop the sport.
The equipment donated includes 55 badminton rackets, 44 shuttlecocks, six racket covers and three racket bags.
