🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Badminton World Federation to implement new 3x15 scoring system from 2027
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Badminton World Federation BWF has approved a significant change to the sport's scoring system, adopting a new 3x15 format set to begin on January 4, 2027. Under the revised rules, matches will continue to be best-of-three games, but each game will conclude when a player or pair reaches 15 points, replacing the current 21-point system. The BWF stated this decision is an "important milestone for the future of badminton," following extensive testing and consultation. The federation aims to make matches more dynamic and engaging, improve scheduling consistency, and potentially reduce player fatigue and injury risks. BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul noted the reform is intended to modernize the sport while preserving its core identity, delivering "more exciting and competitive badminton." Despite some concerns raised during consultation, the BWF believes the sport's fundamental qualities, including skill, tactics, and drama, will remain unchanged. Five different scoring systems were evaluated before the 3x15 format was chosen.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadProfessor Rufus Akinyele, Vice-Chancellor of Maranatha University, stated that Nigeria's domestic challenges are diminishing its global influence. He made these remarks while reviewing a compendium titled “Governance Crises and Contradictions in Nigeria’s Relations,” a festschrift honoring Professor Solomon Akinboye, former Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos. Akinyele noted that Nigeria, once a "big brother" on the African continent, has lost this position due to internal issues, including the exclusion of women from governance, which he attributed to godfatherism and consensus candidacy. Guest lecturer Alade Fawole, speaking on "Nigeria–US Relations in an Unstable World Order," urged Nigerians to recognize threats to the country's sovereignty and to avoid discrediting the government, warning of long-term consequences. He emphasized the importance of citizens uniting to defend national sovereignty despite internal grievances. Former Senator Anthony Adefuye also spoke at the event, congratulating Professor Akinboye on his retirement and commending the University of Lagos leadership and students.
The Yoruba One Voice Worldwide YOV, led by Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged traditional rulers in Yorubaland to unite against the escalating insecurity in the region. This call emerged from a virtual international conference that gathered various Yoruba organizations, community leaders, professionals, intellectuals, and cultural advocates from Nigeria and the diaspora. The South-West region has recently experienced a surge in abductions and other forms of terrorism, including the ongoing hostage situation involving over 40 teachers and pupils in Oyo State. The YOV emphasized that the security of Yorubaland relies on unity of purpose and effective collaboration among all stakeholders, including traditional rulers. Speakers at the conference highlighted the significant deterioration of the security situation, marked by increasing incidents of kidnapping, banditry, violent crimes, killings, and community attacks. The group called for urgent action and demanded collaboration from the Federal Government, South-West governors, security agencies, traditional institutions, and community leaders to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and implement proactive measures. They noted that the escalation of insecurity stems from the failure of authorities to heed early warnings and intelligence reports regarding the infiltration of Yorubaland by criminals. The YOV reiterated calls for the establishment of state and local government police, urging President
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was among political leaders who endorsed the rotational presidency in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Akume, speaking at a World Press Conference in Abuja for Nigeria's 27th Democracy Day anniversary, recalled that leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party met in Kaduna to discuss the country's political future, where power rotation was a key topic. He quoted Atiku as being part of the agreement to alternate presidential power between the North and South to address the political consequences of the annulled election and promote national cohesion. Akume's remarks come amidst ongoing debates about power rotation ahead of the 2027 general election, where Atiku, a northerner, is expected to challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu, a southerner. Akume described the June 12 annulment as a painful setback, emphasizing that the people's will must always be supreme. He expressed confidence in Nigeria's democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, stating that the country has learned from past events and will not allow a repeat of such an annulment. Akume also highlighted Nigeria's 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule as a testament to its commitment to democratic governance and freedom, including freedom of expression.