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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