NOC sends badminton coaches to classroom

A total of ten Nigerian badminton coaches drawn from across the country are participating at the 2017 Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) solidarity coaching course in conjunction with the International Olympic Committee and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) holding from July 16-24 at the package ‘B’ of the Abuja National Stadium.

Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Hon. Tunde Popoola said Badminton used to be one of Nigeria’s medal hopes at the international events in the past and wondered how things fell apart.

However, now the present board of BFN under the leadership of Mr. Francis Orbih is making frantic efforts to revive the game, the NOC has no option than to contribute it quota, hence the consideration for the badminton solidarity coaching course that is serving as the second course to open the IOC 2017-2020 quadrennial calendar of events.

Popoola added that the viability and universality placement of badminton for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Argentina also influenced the decision to award the solidarity course to Badminton Federation.

With Annivao Dajee from Mauritius as facilitator for the week long course, programme coordinator, Mrs. Kemi Obidahunsi of the Nigeria Olympic Committee sees the course as very timely for Nigerian coaches ahead of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

She is also confident that the participants would tap into the opportunity provided to acquire the necessary exposure and new techniques governing the sport which will in return help them in preparing their athletes adequately for Argentina 2018 Youth Olympic Games and beyond.

ANDREW EKEJIUBA Sport Editor