Nigeria, Japan Deepen Sports Ties With Badminton Equipment Donation
Nigeria’s drive to discover and develop the next generation of badminton stars has received a boost with the donation of equipment from Japan to strengthen grassroots and elite development programmes.
The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) received 55 rackets, 44 shuttlecocks and other accessories from the Badminton Association of Japan under the Japanese Government’s Sport for Tomorrow initiative.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Abuja, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, said the donation reflected the enduring friendship between both countries and the power of sport to promote international cooperation.
BFN President, Francis Orbih, described the intervention as significant, noting that access to equipment remains critical to player development.
Orbih also disclosed that the federation had secured an additional 500 rackets, 100 nets and 200 shuttlecocks as part of wider efforts to expand badminton across Nigeria.
He said plans were underway to register badminton academies nationwide and launch a National Badminton League to create a sustainable pathway for emerging talents.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, commended the federation for attracting international partnerships, saying access to quality equipment would improve training standards and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The BFN said it would continue leveraging strategic partnerships to deepen grassroots participation and position Nigeria among Africa’s leading badminton nations.
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