Solaja re-emerges BFN South East rep News

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Solaja re-emerges BFN South East rep

By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 27, 2026

Former Nigeria player and 2019 Africa Women in Badminton Award winner, Oby Solaja, has been returned for another four-year tenure in the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, reaffirming her enduring influence in the sport’s development.

Solaja’s re-election came during the BFN zonal election held in Enugu, where she emerged as the representative for the South East zone. Delegates affirmed her return in recognition of what officials described as her meritorious contributions to grassroots badminton development across the region.

A former multiple African champion, Solaja was among the pioneering badminton players to feature at the Olympic Games, carving her name into the sport’s history before transitioning into administration.

After retiring from competitive play, she equipped herself for sports governance by completing the six-module sports administration programme for the CIES/FIFA diploma at Cairo University — a move that strengthened her credentials in sports organisation and leadership.

Over the past four years, Solaja has championed badminton development in South-East Nigeria through an annual championship organised in partnership with the Bet9ja Foundation. The tournament, held on a rotational basis across states in the region, has provided a competitive platform for emerging talents and reinforced grassroots participation.

Her efforts have been widely credited with expanding the sport’s reach and encouraging youth engagement in badminton within the zone.

Speaking after her confirmation, Solaja pledged renewed vigour in spreading what she described as the “gospel of badminton,” emphasising continuity, talent discovery, and structured development pathways.

Source Punch Ng

Posted February 27, 2026