Joel Ajayi
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria ,BFN, Francis Orbih, has heaped praises on Paralympic bronze medalist, Eniola Bolaji, who recently emerged as the winner of the 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award ,AWIBA. The award recognizes her outstanding achievements and inspiring journey in para-badminton.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Orbih described Bolaji’s recognition as a proud moment for the Federation and the country.
“We’ve now had two Nigerians win this award. As a federation, we knew there would be an award, but no one hinted that she would be the winner. When it was announced, it really caught me off guard. I was even called out to receive it on her behalf. I must confess, it was a bit emotional for me”, Orbih said.
He recalled Bolaji’s earlier recognition in 2021 after winning gold in Spain, making her the fourth African ever to achieve such a feat in international para-badminton.
Orbih also noted that Bolaji’s recognition played a significant role in boosting his own re-election campaign.
“The award contributed to my victory”, he admitted. “During the African General Assembly ,AGA, her achievements were mentioned in no less than three committee reports just before the elections. She was highlighted again as one of the high points of African badminton. It was a very joyful moment for me. Personally, I had to soak it all in”.
He added that the international spotlight on Bolaji also helped reinforce Nigeria’s growing status in the sport.
“It portrayed Nigeria as a country making progress and doing something good for badminton”, he concluded.
