The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has received a significant 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 equipment was officially presented at a ceremony in Abuja attended by senior government officials, sports administrators and diplomats, underscoring the growing sporting ties between Nigeria and Japan.
Among those present were the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Suzuki Hideo; Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko; Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel; Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Anthony Adegboye.
Speaking at the presentation, Ambassador Suzuki described the donation as a reflection of the enduring friendship between Japan and Nigeria, noting that sport remains a powerful vehicle for strengthening international cooperation and mutual understanding.
He explained that the donation was facilitated under the Japanese Government’s Sport for Tomorrow programme, an initiative designed to promote global sporting exchanges.
According to the ambassador, the partnership was initiated through discussions between Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and a Council Member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), and Mitsuru Murai, President of the Badminton Association of Japan and a fellow BWF Council member. He added that Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported the initiative by funding the international transportation of the equipment.
The donation comprises 55 badminton rackets, 44 shuttlecocks, six racket covers and three racket bags, all of which the ambassador said had been carefully maintained and remain in excellent condition.
“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,” Ambassador Suzuki said.
Responding on behalf of the federation, BFN President Francis Orbih described the donation as a major milestone for badminton development in Nigeria.
“We are delighted by this generous gesture from the Badminton Association of Japan and the Japanese Government. Quality equipment is essential to player development, and this partnership will greatly support our efforts to grow the sport,” Orbih said.
He disclosed that the federation has also secured another shipment of 500 badminton rackets, 100 nets and 200 shuttlecocks, describing it as a major breakthrough in addressing one of the biggest challenges facing badminton development in the country.
Orbih further revealed that the federation is registering badminton academies nationwide and is planning to launch a National Badminton League to strengthen grassroots participation and create a sustainable pathway for emerging talent.
He added that the donated equipment would initially be allocated to members of Nigeria’s senior and junior national teams, while additional equipment would support competitions and grassroots initiatives such as the Shuttle Time programme.
NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko commended the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for attracting strategic international partnerships capable of transforming athlete development.
He said access to high-quality equipment would improve training standards and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian players on the international stage.
Dikko also praised the Japanese Government for its continued support, describing the donation as another milestone in the growing sporting relationship between Nigeria and Japan, while assuring that the equipment would be put to effective use.
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.
