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.

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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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By Ugo Okeiyi, Enugu

Three-time Southeast Zonal Badminton Champion, Jovita Anakwe, says continuous investment in badminton development across the region is crucial to sustaining the growing competitiveness of the sport.

Speaking on Friday at the Bet9ja Southeast Zonal Badminton Championship at the Indoor Sports Multipurpose Gymnasium Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, the Enugu-born star described each edition of the tournament as “highly competitive and exciting,” crediting the quality of players drawn from across the zone.

Anakwe, who has won all three editions of the championship since its inception in 2022, expressed confidence in retaining his title but admitted the task gets tougher every year.

“It has never been easy, but I remain optimistic. The competition keeps getting stronger because we have very talented players in the Southeast,” said the national No. 3 and world No. 400 mixed doubles player.

He appealed to authorities and relevant stakeholders to support badminton more actively, insisting that the Southeast has the potential “to take the world by storm” if given the right backing.

His wife, Favour Anakwe, who was present at the venue, spoke glowingly about her husband’s passion for the sport. She stressed the need for more tournaments within the zone to keep athletes in top form ahead of national and international engagements.

The Bet9ja Foundation–sponsored championship features players, coaches and officials from the five Southeastern states — Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo — competing for honours.

Anakwe began his title defence in impressive fashion, defeating Bright Ozoani of Enugu 21–15, 21–17, before beating Emeka Uzukwu of Abia 21–18 to advance to the next round.