The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, has revealed how the former Kwara State Director of Sports, Mallam Tunde Kazeem, thwarted Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji’s move to Abia State.
In an exclusive interview with www.aclsports.com, Orbih explained that Kazeem’s influence played a significant role in keeping Eniola Bolaji in Kwara State rather than allowing her to make the switch to Abia State.
Orbih shared that Abia State was prepared to make a lucrative offer to secure the African Para Badminton Champion, Eniola Bolaji, after successfully bringing former African Champion Chigozie Nnanna on board.
He said, “When Governor Alex Otti of Abia State took office, he became interested in Para Badminton. He sponsored several championships in Umuahia and financed athletes to compete in international events.
“Abia State successfully secured the services of Paralympian Chigozie Nnanna in 2023 and subsequently made a move for Paralympic bronze medalist Eniola Bolaji.”
“The moment the former Kwara State Director of Sports, Mallam Tunde Kazeem, learned of Abia State’s move to employ Eniola Bolaji, he intervened. He spoke to the athlete, urging her to continue believing in Kwara State, and she listened,” Orbih added.
Orbih also acknowledged Kazeem’s status in Nigerian and African badminton.
He said, “Tunde Kazeem is a force to be reckoned with in badminton, both in Nigeria and Africa. This is one of the reasons Kwara State can still proudly claim Eniola Bolaji as one of their athletes.”
The Badminton Federation president clarified that Eniola Bolaji is no longer just an athlete of Kwara State but now represents Africa on the international stage.
He concluded, “Once Eniola Bolaji triumphed at last year’s World Para Badminton Championships in Dubai, she became a property of the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA). Following her success in 2024, she earned a wildcard to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics and went on to win a well-deserved bronze medal.”
