The Nigerian badminton community has welcomed the return of seasoned administrator, Mallam Tunde Kazeem to the national stage, as he was co-opted a Board Member and Technical Director of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN).
Both Tunde Kazeem and Mr. George Shitta were Co-opted into the Board, while Mallam Kazeem was appointed as Technical Director. Also, Zira Emmanuel was appointed as the Team Manager of the National Team.
Francis Orbih was on Monday March 3, 2026, re-elected as President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for a third consecutive term. Orbih emerged unopposed, securing all 13 votes cast.
Kazeem, a former Director of Sports in Kwara State, and the former Chairman of Directors of Sports Forum in Nigeria, is widely regarded as one of the pioneering figures who helped nurture and institutionalise badminton development in the North-Central region.
Mallam Tunde Kazeem is former National Coach and former Africa Badminton Federation (ABF) Instructor.
His reappointment to the newly inaugurated board has been described by stakeholders as homecoming for a technocrat whose administrative experience and technical depth remain invaluable to the sport’s growth in Nigeria.
Long before his tenure as Kwara Director of Sports, Kazeem had built a reputation as a passionate badminton advocate.
He was actively involved in grassroots programmes, school competitions and state-level championships, laying structures that produced several national players from Kwara. Under his watch, the state became a regular feature at national badminton meets, earning respect for its discipline and technical organisation.
Colleagues recall his emphasis on coaching education, officiating standards and youth engagement. His tenure in Kwara saw improved participation in zonal tournaments and stronger collaboration with the national body.
His return to the federation as Technical Director, is therefore seen as a strategic move to reposition the sport, particularly in talent discovery and capacity building.
Speaking shortly after the appointment, Kazeem pledged to work closely with the board to strengthen domestic competitions and advancement of the game in Kwara, Nigeria, the continent and world at large.
Also inaugurated into the new board is Jimoh Kehinde, who will serve as the Technical Rep. Kehinde’s journey in badminton spans decades, beginning as a player before transitioning into officiating, where he carved a niche for himself as a respected umpire.
Known for his firm command of the rules and calm temperament on court, Kehinde has officiated at numerous state and national championships.
His contributions to training and mentoring young umpires have helped expand the pool of certified officials in Nigeria. Within badminton circles, he is recognised as a bridge between the older generation of officials and emerging talents.
Stakeholders believe his presence on the board will strengthen the technical arm of the federation, particularly in standardising officiating procedures and aligning local practices with international regulations.
The inauguration of the new board of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria signals what many describe as a fresh chapter for the sport. With experienced administrators like Kazeem and seasoned officials like Kehinde on board, expectations are high that Nigerian badminton will witness renewed vigour.
As the new leadership settles into office, the badminton family across the country will be watching closely, hopeful that the return of tested hands will usher in sustained growth, improved organisation and greater international recognition for Nigerian badminton.
THE NEW BADMINTON FEDERATION OF NIGERIA BOARD MEMBERS
- Francis Orbih Esq. – President.
- Alhaji Adamu Lawan – Vice President
- Mr. Samuel Ekeoma- 2nd Vice President
- Mrs. Obiageli Solaja. -South East Rep.
- Mr. Felix Tangbe – South South Rep.
- Alhaji Mohammed Nma Kolo – North Central Rep.
- Mr. Olutayo Akinfe- South West Rep.
- Mr. Ali Hamza Wudil – North West Rep.
- Ms. Oluwatosin Solademi – AFFAN Rep.
- Dr. Hauwa Umar Usman – NAWIS Rep.
- Mr. Samson Akapo – NAPHA-SD Rep.
- Mr. Yunusa Kehinde Jimoh – Technical Rep.
- Capt. Ocholi Abel Edicha – Players Rep.
- Mr. Olalekan Abdul – Sponsor Rep.
- Femi Elemowu – Military and Paramilitary Rep.
- Mr. Tunde Kazeem – Co-opted board member.
- Mr. George Shitta – Co-opted board member.
