By Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

Obiageli Edoga-Solaja Champions Talent Growth, Calls for Greater Support at Southeast Badminton Championship

BFN Board Member and Southeast representative, Mrs. Obiageli Edoga-Solaja, has once again reaffirmed her reputation as one of the strongest advocates for badminton development in Nigeria, as she praised the high turnout and quality of talent showcased at the just-concluded Southeast Badminton Championship in Enugu.

Solaja, a former African champion and 1996 Atlanta Olympian, expressed delight at the growing pool of young players emerging from the region.

She noted that several of the prospects discovered during the three-day event will be groomed for future national and international competitions, reinforcing the Southeast’s legacy as a breeding ground for elite badminton talent.

“This championship has shown that the Southeast remains a powerhouse of raw talent,” she said. “Some of the players we’ve seen here have the potential to develop into national stars. With proper training and guidance, they can become world-class.”

A Lifelong Contributor to Nigerian Badminton

Beyond her administrative role, Solaja has been widely celebrated for her decades-long contribution to the sport.

She is a multiple-time, African Badminton queen and the 2019  African Women in Badminton Award.

As an ex-international who dominated African badminton in her prime, she has continued to invest her time, expertise, and influence in nurturing grassroots talent, mentoring young players, and championing development programmes across the region.

Under her leadership and advocacy, several youth-focused initiatives have been implemented, contributing significantly to the sport’s rising profile in the Southeast.

Appreciation to Sponsors, Call for Broader Support

Solaja also lauded the Bet9ja Foundation, sponsors of the championship, for their consistent and meaningful investment in badminton. She stressed that the sustained partnership between corporate organisations and sports federations is vital to the growth of the game.

“We have the talent; what we need is sustained backing,” she emphasised. “The Southeast has always been a strong badminton region, and with more support—from companies, individuals and stakeholders—we can produce world-class players and elevate Nigerian badminton globally.”

Her call resonated strongly with participants and officials who believe that corporate and community involvement remains central to sustaining the momentum generated by competitions such as the Southeast Championship.

As the event concluded, many stakeholders acknowledged that with passionate advocates like Solaja leading the charge, the future of badminton in the region—and in Nigeria—looks promising and primed for greater achievements.

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By Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

The Southeast Badminton Championship once again lived up to its billing as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant regional tournaments, drawing 50 players and five coaches from across the zone for three days of intense competition and talent display.

Athletes from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States converged on Enugu to battle for ranking points and top honours in a wide array of events, including men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and the highly engaging veterans’ category.

The championship, known for its role in unearthing new stars and sharpening the skills of experienced players, delivered a blend of competitiveness and camaraderie as seasoned athletes clashed with rising newcomers eager to make their mark.

Organisers and stakeholders hailed the successful staging of the event, describing it as yet another affirmation of the Southeast’s reputation as a powerhouse of badminton talent in Nigeria.

They expressed confidence that the region’s rising momentum—driven by consistent competitions, improved coaching and growing grassroots involvement—would soon translate into podium finishes at the national level and eventual breakthroughs on the international stage.

With enthusiasm high and new prospects emerging, the Southeast continues to position itself as a critical contributor to the sport’s growth and future success in the country.

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By: Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

Reigning Southeast Badminton champion, Jovita Anikwe of Anambra State, has successfully defended his men’s singles title at the fourth edition of the Bet9ja Southeast Badminton Championship, held at the Indoor Sports Multipurpose Gymnasium Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Anikwe defeated 2024 Paris Paralympian Jeremiah Nnanna of Abia State in straight sets (21–13, 21–16) to clinch the title for the third consecutive year, extending a remarkable run of dominance since 2022.

The winners in the Men’s Singles category with the President of BFN, Francis Orbih.

Already ranked among Nigeria’s top three players and placed 400th globally in mixed doubles, Anikwe once again showcased class, power and consistency. Despite missing out on the mixed doubles crown with partner Chioma Udeh, the champion admitted the tournament’s rising competitiveness is driving him to elevate his game.

“The level of competition is getting tougher and more exciting every year,”
Anikwe told journalists after the match.
“The quality of players keeps improving, and that pushes me to do better.”

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