Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Nigeria Badminton Federation BFN says all the facilities to be used for the forthcoming All African Badminton Championship in April this year would be put in place before the opening ceremony of the event.
President of Badminton Federation, Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, stated this shortly after the inspection of the facilities by the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) team at the Alfred Diete- Spiff Sports complex.
The Championship is scheduled to hold at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
This will be the second time the state will host Badminton tournament within a period of five months. The first was Governor Wike National Badminton Championship, held in December, last year.
Francis Orbih said he was impressed with the facilities currently one ground, saying that it is difficult to find a Championship with 100 per cent facilities complete.
“Some of the facilities that are not in place pointed out are minor ones and they will be taken care off before the Championship commences. Besides, we hope to host and win the tournament, “Orbih said.
According to him, to enable the country host and win the championship, BFN will camp athletes early to achieve the feat.
“I am confident that BFN will host and win the championship” he stated.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of BCA, Sahir Edoo said that the facilities he saw at the Alfred Diete Spiff sports complex were world class standard.
He noted that many of the African countries that have hosted the Championship, Rivers State has one of the best facilities on ground.
The Secretary-General revealed that over 15 African countries were expected to participate in the Championship.
He Commended the Rivers State Government, led by Chief Nyesom Wike over the maintenance of the Alfred Diete Spiff sports complex and also lauded the President of BFN, Francis Orbih for his efforts towards the development of the game in Africa.
