By: Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

The doubles categories at the Bet9ja Foundation Southeast Badminton Championship delivered a thrilling display of teamwork, resilience, and high-intensity competition, keeping fans at the Indoor Sports Multipurpose Gymnasium Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on the edge of their seats.

The Men’s Doubles contest set the tone for an exhilarating afternoon. Anambra’s formidable duo, Jovita Anikwe and Owen Chidi, combined experience and pace to overpower Enugu pair Eya Chikamso and Nmesoma Udechukwu in straight sets, 21–11, 21–17.

Anikwe, who also retained his men’s singles crown earlier in the day, showed no signs of fatigue as he partnered Chidi with seamless coordination and sharp court coverage.

In the Women’s Doubles, the atmosphere reached fever pitch as Queen Chibuzor and Okoro Chinyere of Abia State delivered one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament. The pair dazzled spectators with quick reflexes, fluid exchanges and solid defensive play to defeat Enugu’s Uju Joy and Ada Okoro.

The Abia duo’s synergy and tactical discipline helped them dominate rallies and maintain control from start to finish, earning loud cheers from the packed hall.

The highlight of the doubles events, however, came in the Mixed Doubles final. The Abia pair of Emeka Uzukwu and Queen Chibuzor once again showed why they remain one of the region’s most formidable combinations.

Displaying remarkable chemistry, patience and fighting spirit, they outclassed the experienced Anambra team of Jovita Anikwe and Chioma Udeh. Despite Anikwe’s aggressive net play and Udeh’s sharp returns, the Abia pair held their ground, converting crucial points to secure a well-deserved victory.

Tournament officials praised the exceptional standard of play showcased in all doubles events, noting that they added depth and excitement to the three-day championship, which featured athletes from five Southeastern states.

With the Bet9ja Foundation’s continued support, the Southeast Badminton Championship has become one of the region’s most anticipated sporting events, promoting talent, teamwork and competitive excellence at all levels.

The Score Card:

• Men’s Doubles:
  Jovita Anikwe & Owen Chidi (Anambra) defeated Eya Chikamso & Nmesoma Udechukwu (Enugu) 21–11, 21–17.
• Women’s Doubles:
  The electric atmosphere peaked as Queen Chibuzor & Okoro Chinyere (Abia) thrilled spectators with a skillful performance to overpower Uju Joy & Ada Okoro (Enugu).
• Mixed Doubles:
  Emeka Uzukwu & Queen Chibuzor (Abia) emerged victorious, displaying resilience and chemistry to beat the experienced pair of Jovita Anikwe & Chioma Udeh (Anambra).

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By: Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

Winners across all categories received badminton equipment, medals, cash prizes and trophies, celebrating their outstanding performances.

The three-day championship featured over 40 players and five coaches from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Organised by the Southeast Badminton Outreach, a pet project by former African badminton queen, Obiageli Solaja in collaboration with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the event was proudly sponsored by the Bet9ja Foundation, continuing its commitment to grassroots sports development.

The 2025 edition once again cemented the Bet9ja Southeast Badminton Championship as the region’s premier platform for talent discovery and competitive excellence

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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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