Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) president, Francis Orbih says plans have already been set in motion to ensure that he country’s physically challenged players perform well at next year’s Para-Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, Sports247 reports.
Orbih made the declaration while speaking loftily about the country’s players at the recent Uganda Para Badminton International Championship, where the Nigerian team won a total number of 14 medals – comprising nine gold and five silver.
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He pointed out that the performances in Nairobi further reinforced Nigeria’s growing status as one of the continent’s leading forces in the sport, especially with the recent exploits of Africa’s top female para-badminton player, Eniola Bolaji, whom the federation is using to motivate others.
While affirming that the performances also boosted the country’s profile ahead of future continental and global competitions, Orbih commended roles played the governments of Bayelsa and Abia States as well as Police College Badminton Club of Lagos in sponsoring some players.
Orbih declared gleefully, “I want to thank the Abia State Government for sponsoring six players, and Bayelsa State Government as well as Police College Badminton Club Lagos footing the bills of 1 player each.
“The Federation is ready to partner with them and many other organisations in the future. Our para badminton athletes have once again shown that the country can depend on them in terms of winning medals and making the nation proud.
“This current board will continue to support para-athletes and ensure they get all the necessary support. Our target is the Paralympic Games. We want to qualify as many athletes as possible, with the aim of making a huge mark, following the exploits of Eniola Bolaji.”
 president, Francis Orbih says plans have already been set in motion to ensure that he country's physically challenged players perform well at next year's Para-Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, Sports247 reports.){kind=link}