Eniola Bolaji, Africa’s pioneering Paralympic medalist in badminton, has set her sights on achieving even greater success at the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Games. This ambitious aspiration follows the recent launch of the “Road to LA 2028″ initiative by the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) in Abuja. The program aims at uniting key stakeholders throughout Africa, with Nigeria leading the initiative, to ensure that African athletes are properly prepared to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics. Emphasizing early preparation, resource mobilization, and talent development, the initiative is designed to elevate African badminton on the global stage. Bolaji, who earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics, expressed her motivation stemming from her achievement, stating, “This program gives us the tools we need to succeed.”
The BCA’s initiative signifies a crucial shift in how African nations approach Olympic preparations, particularly in badminton. Traditionally, nations in the continent have struggled with the long-term planning required to prepare athletes adequately for such prestigious events due to financial limitations and resource challenges. Kingston Mulenga, the deputy president of the BCA, highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in initiating this program, claiming it provides a roadmap for other nations to follow. This program is not only about competing; it seeks to nurture talent through sustained investment, emphasizing that African athletes can excel on a global platform with the right support and strategy in place.
The inspiration behind the “Road to LA 2028” program can be traced back to Bolaji’s remarkable achievements, which demonstrated that African badminton can indeed compete at high levels. According to Francis Orbih, president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and a BCA Council member, securing and building on Bolaji’s success is essential for the future of African badminton. He insists that collaboration among various sectors—government, corporate sponsors, and individuals—is vital for transforming African badminton into a powerhouse. The program aims to maintain momentum while encouraging greater investment from all stakeholders to develop the sport and its athletes sustainably.
Echoing Orbih’s sentiments, Habu Gumel, president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, emphasized the importance of long-term planning and investment in athletes. He pointed out that Olympic triumphs require extensive training and preparation, highlighting that the BCA’s initiative serves as a model for other sporting federations in the continent. Gumel committed to offering various forms of support, including scholarships and resources to help athletes raise their performance to competitive levels. The collective goal is not merely to garner medals but to create a structured environment where athletes can thrive and realize their full potential.
Support from the government further bolsters the initiative’s prospects of success. Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission, noted that the program aligns with Nigeria’s vision of elevating sports at both national and continental levels. He recognized that the achievements in Paris served as validation of existing talent, and now the focus must shift to building the infrastructure and providing funding necessary for translating potential into medals. By creating an enabling environment for success, the initiative aspires to set the stage for African athletes to shine on the global sports landscape.
Lastly, team captain and two-time Olympian Anuoluwapo Opeyori expressed how transformative this program could be for African badminton. He emphasized that it exceeds the objective of simply winning medals; it is also about inspiring a new generation of athletes who are committed to excellence in their sport. Highlighting the role of consistent training, mentorship, and global exposure, Opeyori believes that this initiative has the power to elevate standards and outcomes. Coach Dina Abouzeid Sarinena underscored the importance of adequate preparation; with four years until the next games, there is ample opportunity to refine techniques and strategies to ensure that African athletes can compete effectively with their international counterparts. Thus, the “Road to LA 2028” initiative opens a new chapter for African badminton, one filled with hope, ambition, and the potential for greater achievements on the global stage.
