The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) is looking forward to a podium finish at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, as its parent body, the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) launches a major initiative in the country.
Tagged “Road to LA 2028”, the athlete-focused programme of the BCA, is expected to ginger Nigeria and other African badminton players to aim for higher achievement in Los Angeles.
The BFN, in conjunction with the BCA, believes that greater achievement is possible if preparation is done on time.
According to BFN’s president, Francis Orbih who is also a member of the BCA Council, building an Olympic contender, let alone a champion, is not an overnight venture.
“That explains our quest for early preparation, thanks to our continental parent body (BCA), for the initiative. This is aimed at propelling African and Nigerian badminton to new heights,” he said.
He noted that the idea is to build on Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji success at the Paris 2024 where she won a medal and became the first African to do so.
“We want to build on the momentum and the fact that a badminton player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori was made the Captain of Team Nigeria, underlines the fact that badminton has come of age. That was the first time in Nigeria’s 18-participation that a badminton player was chosen as team Nigeria captain,” he state further.
The Road to LA 2028 is planned to inspire and support African badminton players as they strive for glory at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The launch event holds 1st of December 2024 at the Kano Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
“For Nigeria as hosts, we would also be celebrating the remarkable achievements of Nigerian badminton and para badminton players at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics”, Orbih added.
The “Road to LA 2028” initiative will focus on nurturing young talents, providing world-class training facilities, and securing essential resources to ensure African athletes are well-prepared to compete at the highest level.
“As a Nigerian, I am proud of our athletes’ achievements at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and I believe that the initiative of the BCA will motivate the athletes to better performance at the LA 2028, ” he declared added.
Continuing, he emphasised that “the ‘Road to LA 2028’ campaign is a BCA commitment to supporting African athletes and providing them with the tools they need to reach their full potential. We invite the entire nation to join us on this exciting journey.”
Expected at the event are critical stakeholders. Those invited include Governors, government agencies, corporate sponsors, the media and badminton stakeholders.
