President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih has declared Nigeria ready to “host and win” the 2019 All African Seniors Badminton Championship.
In April, Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) approved Port Harcourt as host city for continental show piece next year.
“We are hosting the All African Seniors for the first time in 19 years and we want to host and win,” Orbih told ACLSports.com
“We are grooming the team because we want to go with a solid team and we don’t want to leave doubt in anybody’s mind that we are the best in Africa and that’s what we want to do. When we came in last year we were number 6, now we are in number 2 next year we will be number 1.”
Orbih said lack of support from corporate bodies has been a major set back for his Federation.
“It’s been very difficult attracting sponsors but we have not given up we will keep pushing and knocking doors until they open and give us. Once you convince people that you know what you are doing they are going to put in money into your federation then you are assured that the money will be judiciously spent and people will have the confidence to want to support you.”
The Badminton boss who was awarded the best sports administrator of the year by the Nigerian Sports Awards last month in Lagos, said the award will motivate him to do more.
“It will encourage me to do more and prove the effort I am putting in is being acknowledged and recognised then next thing is to see what you can do to make things better.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike has promised the Badminton Federation that the Rivers State Government will be ready to host the Governor Wike National Badminton Championship from December 19-22 and the All African Seniors Badminton Championship next year.
Governor Wike made this known during a courtesy visit last week by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
