Badminton
Doubles and Mixed Doubles Deliver High Drama at Bet9ja Badminton Championship
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
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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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.
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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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Chibuzor Shines Again in Women’s Singles at Bet9ja Foundation Badminton Championship
Doubles and Mixed Doubles Deliver High Drama at Bet9ja Badminton Championship
Veterans Light Up the Court at Bet9ja Foundation Badminton Championship
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