By: Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

The veteran category of the Bet9ja Foundation Southeast Badminton Championship delivered some of the most thrilling moments of the tournament, as seasoned players showcased experience, endurance and exceptional sportsmanship at the Indoor Sports Multipurpose Gymnasium Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

In one of the standout matches of the final day, Enugu duo Oramalu Peter and Ikedi Eze staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the formidable pair of Aka Francis and Emmanuel Aniakor. After losing the first set 15–21, the Enugu veterans regrouped impressively, altering their strategy and displaying remarkable composure to take the next two sets 21–18 and 21–14.

The match drew loud applause and cheers from spectators who were delighted by the intensity and competitive spirit displayed by both sides. For many fans, the veterans’ performance was a reminder that skill, experience and determination remain powerful forces in the sport.

Tournament officials praised the quality of play witnessed in the veteran category, noting that it added colour, excitement and inspiration to the three-day championship, which featured players from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States.

The Bet9ja Foundation, sponsors of the championship, has continued to invest in badminton development across the region, ensuring that both young talents and veteran players have a platform to showcase their abilities.

As the curtains fall on this year’s edition, the veterans’ spirited duel remains one of the memorable highlights—proof that passion for badminton transcends age and continues to unite players across generations.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

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.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

By: Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

Young and fast-rising badminton talents, Eya Sochima and Ezechukwu Chiwetalu, have vowed to keep improving their game after bowing out in the quarterfinals of the doubles event at the ongoing 4th Bet9ja Foundation Southeast Badminton Championship in Enugu.

The duo, who represented Team Enugu, fell to the experienced Anambra pair of Jovita Anikwe and Chidi Owen on Day 2 of the competition at the Indoor Multipurpose Sports Gymnasium Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Sochima admitted they anticipated a fierce contest.

“We knew the encounter would be thrilling and tough, considering the quality and experience of our opponents. But playing in such a competitive environment helps to mould future champions,” he said.

Chiwetalu, equally upbeat despite the loss, praised the organisers and said the experience would motivate them to push harder.

“We gave our all on the court. The outcome won’t deter us—it will only inspire us to go the extra mile in future tournaments,” he said.

Both players stressed that their performance so far reflects their dedication, hard work and discipline, which they believe will continue to shape their growth in the sport.

Day 2 Results: Doubles and Mixed Doubles Deliver High Drama

Day 2 of the championship lived up to expectations, with exciting displays across the men’s, women’s and mixed doubles categories.

Men’s Doubles

• Bright Ozoani/Nweke (Enugu) defeated Onyedika Okolie/Egele Nnamdi (Imo) 21–10, 21–13.
• Nathaniel Uduma/Amadi Evaria (Ebonyi) overpowered Anthony Oparachukwu/Chinedu Echebina (Imo) 21–4, 21–6.
• Eya Chikamso/Nmesoma Tobechukwu (Enugu) beat Emeka Uzukwu/Paul Chigozirem (Abia) 21–14, 21–15.

Women’s Doubles

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

Mixed Doubles

• Bright Ozoani/Maureen Ozulo (Enugu) came from behind to beat Paul Chiagoziem/Chinedu (Abia) 18–21, 21–13, 21–15.
• Jovita Anikwe/Chioma Umeh (Anambra) outclassed Eya Chikamso/Doyin Olusanya (Enugu) 21–16, 21–14.
• Emeka Uzukwu/Queen Chibuzor (Abia) dominated Amadi Evaria/Eucharia Madu (Ebonyi) 21–6, 21–6.

With impressive displays across all categories, the Southeast Badminton Championship continues today, as players battle for supremacy and regional pride.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H