Orbih speaks on upcoming Badminton Federation election, reviews tenure

The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has said arrangements for the Federation’s elections are in top gear, with the process being conducted in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and which will usher in a new board in early March.

Orbih revealed this during the BFN board meeting, which was held at the Check Inn Hotel, Abuja.

The BFN president spoke on issues relating to governance transition, athlete development, youth programmes and funding challenges confronting the Federation.

He said, “For the elections, we are working in partnership with the National Sports Commission and under its guidance. The guidelines will be released by the Commission, and electionswill be conducted strictly in line with them. Hopefully, the election will hold in early March, after which the new board will be inaugurated.”

Speaking on his four-year tenure, Orbih described the period as largely successful, saying the progress recorded was as a result of collective effort rather than individual leadership.

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“The journey of four years, I would say, has been very successful to a large extent. We achieved quite a lot. I would not say I was responsible for the success alone; it was teamwork. We had a very strong and supportive board that worked closely with me,” he stated.

Declining to score his own administration, Orbih said self-assessment would be inappropriate when he said, “How would you make me the examiner for the examination I am sitting for?

Nonetheless, he pointed to widespread commendations as indicators of progress. 

“From the feedback and commendations, not only within Nigeria but across Africa and other continents, I believe we have done reasonably well. The world has become a global village, and people are recognising our efforts,” he said.

Speaking on the impact of para-badminton star Eniola Bolaji, Orbih said, “Eniola Bolaji brought immense pride to Africa by becoming the first African to win a medal in para badminton at the Paralympics, where she won a bronze medal.

“That achievement prompted the Badminton Confederation of Africa to encourage early preparations towards the possibility of a gold medal at LA 2028.

“She is on course, having won the Egypt International gold medal earlier this month. She is heading to the World Para Badminton Championships next week and then to Spain in March. With sponsorship support from the National Sports Commission, GIG Logistics and Yonex, we hope for even more backing. She is currently world number two, and we are hopeful she will become number one this year.”

He also touched on the issue of funding and partnerships, saying the Federation has continued to get the backing of the NSC and stakeholders in the private sector. 

“We have received encouraging support from the National Sports Commission, as well as private sector partners such as GIG Logistics, Yonex and Mutual Benefits Assurance and Bond Global Energy. The government cannot do it alone. We are hopeful of attracting more private sector support so we can make even greater progress.

“We must continue to juggle, prioritise and channel available funds to what matters most in our development plans,” he concluded.