By Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu.

Police Inspector Eucharia Madu, a mother of four and one of the most experienced players at the Southeast Badminton Championship, has voiced strong concerns over the declining state of badminton in the region.

She warned that the sport, which she described as vital to modern society, is suffering from neglect and dwindling participation.

Madu, who serves with the Ebonyi State Police Command, spoke after a hard-fought comeback victory at the Indoor Multipurpose Gymnasium Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Despite dropping the opening set 19–21 to young Anambra talent Chioma Umeh, the veteran displayed resilience and tactical brilliance to take the next two sets 22–20, 21–19, sealing an impressive win for Team Ebonyi.

Reflecting on the contest, Madu said she had to adjust her strategy mid-match.

“I noticed I was making too many unforced errors, which gave her the advantage. After a quick pep talk with my coach, I calmed my nerves and focused. My composure — and thinking about my children — pushed me to fight harder,” she said.

She added that her passion for badminton dates back to her youth, when she won multiple titles before joining the police. She promised to keep improving and to continue representing her state with pride.

Her coach, Oyoh Oliver, praised her resilience, saying:

“Eucharia showed great determination. Coming from behind against a young and energetic opponent is not easy. She has the potential to win many more titles.”

Match Day 2: Strong Performances and Surprise Results

The women’s singles and doubles categories produced several exciting contests on Match Day 2:

Women’s Singles

• Okoro Chinyere (Imo) defeated Onyedika Nkem (Enugu) 21–17, 21–12.
• Ugochi Oti (Ebonyi) beat Doyin Olusanya (Enugu) 22–8, 21–18.
• Winny Nkem (Ebonyi) overpowered Chinedu (Anam) 21–17, 21–15.
• Veteran Queen Chibuzor dominated Ugochi Oti (Ebonyi) 22–15, 21–10 in a one-sided encounter.

Women’s Doubles

• Doyin Olusanya/Nkem Onyebuchi (Enugu) defeated Udeh Chioma/Winny (Ebonyi) 21–11, 9–21, 21–19 in a tight contest.
• Uju Joy/Adaure (Enugu) beat Chioma Umeh/Blessing Amarachi (Anambra) 21–14, 21–14.

With competition intensifying across categories, the Southeast Badminton Championship continues to showcase emerging stars, seasoned players, and the growing need for renewed investment in the sport across the region.

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By Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has attributed the sport’s recent resurgence and growing success at both national and international levels to its “visionary and innovative leadership,” backed by deliberate athlete development programmes and sustained stakeholder engagement.

BFN President, Francis Obih, stated this on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the Southeast Badminton Championship holding at the Indoor Sports Multipurpose Gymnasium of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Obih said the current board has been driven by a commitment to excellence and strategic development, ensuring improved opportunities for athletes in both conventional and para-badminton categories. He added that the federation’s structured approach has strengthened Nigeria’s position as a rising force in African badminton and inspired a new generation of players.

Speaking at the event, Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to grassroots and school sports. He stressed the administration’s resolve to nurture young talents while investing in modern sports infrastructure across the state.

Similarly, Southeast Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Bernard Ezema, praised the organisers for sustaining the championship. He expressed confidence that competitions of this nature would produce emerging stars capable of representing the zone at national and international events.

The three-day tournament, organised by the Southeast Badminton Outreach in collaboration with the BFN and the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, is sponsored by the Bet9ja Foundation.

Meanwhile, Friday’s matches delivered excitement and high-level displays as players battled for top honours.
David Chibuike eased past Tochukwu Egwu 21-9, 21-6; Ebonyi’s Divine Nweke defeated Promise Kanu 21-9, 21-11; and Enugu’s Bright Ozoani impressed with a 21-15, 21-17 win over Nnamdi Egele.

In other results, Ojo Babalola (Anambra) overpowered Ebonyi’s Amadi 21-16, 21-12; Agu Nzube (Anambra) triumphed 21-14, 21-15 against Eya Joshua (Enugu); while Onyedika Okolie (Imo) edged Jacob Wisdom (Abia) in a gripping three-setter, 21-19, 18-21, 24-22.

The championship continues as players compete fiercely for the ultimate prize.The afternoon session also saw exceptional contest as Philip Anyiobi (Ebonyi) lost to Ydechukwu Nmesoma (9+21, 5-21), George Chukwunenye (Anambra) edge pass Paul Chiagoziem (Abia) (21-8, 21-3), Patrick Nweke (Enugu) was victorious against Echeve Chinedu (Imo) (21-16, 21-12), Chikamso  (Enugu) defeated Divine Nweke (21-17, 21-15).

Jeremiah Nnanna (Abia) defeated Nzube Agu (21-15, 21-18), Patrick Nweke (Enugu) lost to Uwen Chidi (15-21, 11-21).  Ydechukwu Nmesoma(Enugu) also lost to George Chukwunenye (Anambra) (18-21, 22-20, 21-14).

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By Ugo Okeiyi, Enugu

Three-time Southeast Zonal Badminton Champion, Jovita Anakwe, says continuous investment in badminton development across the region is crucial to sustaining the growing competitiveness of the sport.

Speaking on Friday at the Bet9ja Southeast Zonal Badminton Championship at the Indoor Sports Multipurpose Gymnasium Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, the Enugu-born star described each edition of the tournament as “highly competitive and exciting,” crediting the quality of players drawn from across the zone.

Anakwe, who has won all three editions of the championship since its inception in 2022, expressed confidence in retaining his title but admitted the task gets tougher every year.

“It has never been easy, but I remain optimistic. The competition keeps getting stronger because we have very talented players in the Southeast,” said the national No. 3 and world No. 400 mixed doubles player.

He appealed to authorities and relevant stakeholders to support badminton more actively, insisting that the Southeast has the potential “to take the world by storm” if given the right backing.

His wife, Favour Anakwe, who was present at the venue, spoke glowingly about her husband’s passion for the sport. She stressed the need for more tournaments within the zone to keep athletes in top form ahead of national and international engagements.

The Bet9ja Foundation–sponsored championship features players, coaches and officials from the five Southeastern states — Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo — competing for honours.

Anakwe began his title defence in impressive fashion, defeating Bright Ozoani of Enugu 21–15, 21–17, before beating Emeka Uzukwu of Abia 21–18 to advance to the next round.