By Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, has applauded the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and the organisers of the Southeast Badminton Championship for delivering a highly successful event in Enugu.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ekweremadu described the tournament as a testament to the state’s renewed commitment to sports development.

He revealed that the Ministry is already working hand-in-hand with the BFN to ensure that all technical requirements are fully met ahead of the National Sports Festival, which Enugu is preparing to host.

“We are proud of what we have seen here,” the Commissioner said. “This championship reflects the energy and potential in our state and across the Southeast.

“As we prepare for the National Sports Festival, we are collaborating closely with the Federation to ensure that Enugu meets the highest technical standards.”

Grassroots Investment Paying Off

In a related development, Chairman of the Enugu State Badminton Association, Kester Agu, said the championship highlighted the significant strides made in the sport within the state. He noted that several young players identified through recent grassroots programmes have now progressed to the point where they can compete—and possibly represent Enugu—at major national events.

“Our development projects are beginning to yield results,” Agu remarked. “We are excited about the young talents emerging, and we believe many of them will soon become competitive forces at the national level.”

Enugu Athletes Hold Their Own

Head of Technical for the championship and Enugu State Coach, Ifejika Godswill, expressed satisfaction with the performance of his athletes.

Despite facing some of Nigeria’s most experienced and established players, he said the home-grown athletes demonstrated resilience, maturity, and technical improvement.

“The exposure they gained here is invaluable,” Godswill noted. “Our players competed bravely and showed that they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the country.”

With the tournament further cementing Enugu’s position as a growing badminton hub, stakeholders remain optimistic that the state’s continued investment in the sport will produce future champions capable of shining on national and international stages.

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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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By: Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

The women’s singles final at the Bet9ja Foundation Southeast Badminton Championship showcased yet another masterclass from Queen Chibuzor of Abia State, who reaffirmed her dominance on the regional circuit with a commanding victory over Enugu’s fast-rising star Uju Joy.

Chibuzor swept through the match in straight sets, 21–6, 21–12, combining sharp footwork with precise shot selection to keep her opponent under constant pressure. Her performance drew admiration from fans and officials alike, further cementing her reputation as one of the most consistent and technically gifted female players in Southeast Nigeria.

Despite the one-sided scoreline, the match featured moments of brilliance from Uju Joy, whose fast-improving skill set has made her one of Enugu’s most promising prospects. However, Chibuzor’s experience, composure and tactical awareness made the difference when it mattered most.

Speaking after the match, the Abia star revealed that she had to adjust her game plan early to neutralise her opponent’s strengths.

“Uju is technically gifted, so I had to change my approach quickly to control the game,”
Chibuzor said. “She is improving very fast, and that pushes us all to bring our best.”

Tournament officials praised Chibuzor’s blend of maturity and aggression, noting that her continued excellence is raising the bar for women’s badminton across the Southeast.

The triumph adds another feather to her cap in a championship that saw strong participation from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo States, with the Bet9ja Foundation once again hailed for its commitment to grassroots sports development.

As the curtains closed on the tournament, Chibuzor’s latest win stood out as one of the defining highlights—an emphatic reminder of her class, consistency, and the bright future of women’s badminton in the region.

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