By Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu
The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has attributed the sport’s recent resurgence and growing success at both national and international levels to its “visionary and innovative leadership,” backed by deliberate athlete development programmes and sustained stakeholder engagement.
BFN President, Francis Obih, stated this on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the Southeast Badminton Championship holding at the Indoor Sports Multipurpose Gymnasium of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Obih said the current board has been driven by a commitment to excellence and strategic development, ensuring improved opportunities for athletes in both conventional and para-badminton categories. He added that the federation’s structured approach has strengthened Nigeria’s position as a rising force in African badminton and inspired a new generation of players.
Speaking at the event, Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to grassroots and school sports. He stressed the administration’s resolve to nurture young talents while investing in modern sports infrastructure across the state.
Similarly, Southeast Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Bernard Ezema, praised the organisers for sustaining the championship. He expressed confidence that competitions of this nature would produce emerging stars capable of representing the zone at national and international events.
The three-day tournament, organised by the Southeast Badminton Outreach in collaboration with the BFN and the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, is sponsored by the Bet9ja Foundation.
Meanwhile, Friday’s matches delivered excitement and high-level displays as players battled for top honours.
David Chibuike eased past Tochukwu Egwu 21-9, 21-6; Ebonyi’s Divine Nweke defeated Promise Kanu 21-9, 21-11; and Enugu’s Bright Ozoani impressed with a 21-15, 21-17 win over Nnamdi Egele.
In other results, Ojo Babalola (Anambra) overpowered Ebonyi’s Amadi 21-16, 21-12; Agu Nzube (Anambra) triumphed 21-14, 21-15 against Eya Joshua (Enugu); while Onyedika Okolie (Imo) edged Jacob Wisdom (Abia) in a gripping three-setter, 21-19, 18-21, 24-22.
The championship continues as players compete fiercely for the ultimate prize.The afternoon session also saw exceptional contest as Philip Anyiobi (Ebonyi) lost to Ydechukwu Nmesoma (9+21, 5-21), George Chukwunenye (Anambra) edge pass Paul Chiagoziem (Abia) (21-8, 21-3), Patrick Nweke (Enugu) was victorious against Echeve Chinedu (Imo) (21-16, 21-12), Chikamso (Enugu) defeated Divine Nweke (21-17, 21-15).
Jeremiah Nnanna (Abia) defeated Nzube Agu (21-15, 21-18), Patrick Nweke (Enugu) lost to Uwen Chidi (15-21, 11-21). Ydechukwu Nmesoma(Enugu) also lost to George Chukwunenye (Anambra) (18-21, 22-20, 21-14).
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