The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, said the federation is set to use a long-term plan as key to achieving medal success in international competitions.
The president saud on Monday in Abuja that Olympic and world championship medals require long-term planning and execution.
According to the president, the federation insists that players must train adequately and get exposure to international competitions.
He said this will improve their world ranking and make them more competitive.
“The federation’s commitment is to developing badminton across all levels in Nigeria,’he said.
He said funding remains the biggest challenge, noting that “government can’t fund sports alone” while the National Sports Commission is doing its best.
“Other challenges include standard facilities, equipment, and coaching,” he added.
“The federation’s growth agenda is holistic, with emphasis on player development, technical education, gender inclusion, administration, and financial sustainability.”
“Our focus is on grassroots development, technical advancement, elite performance, and creating pathways that will consistently produce podium results,” he said.
He said that building a strong system requires developing not just players, but also coaches, umpires, technical officials, and administrators.
“Every part of the system is important for sustainable growth. The federation is prioritising greater involvement of women in both playing and administration,” he said.
According to him, strengthening coaching structures and improving technical capacity are central to producing athletes who can compete and win at the international level.
“The federation will continue to align its programmes with Nigeria’s broader sports development agenda.”
“This is to raise the standard of badminton and increase the country’s chances of winning medals at major competitions like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and continental competitions,” he said.
The federation held a two-day strategic retreat to reposition badminton for sustainable growth in Nigeria.