The 2026 edition of the Bet9ja Southeast zonal badminton championship has indeed continued to live up to its billing inside the Nibo Civic Town Hall, Awka, Anambra State, as some of the thrilling and exciting encounters attracted fans, supporters from different parts of the metropolis.
The annual championship, which is in its fifth edition, also witnessed some of the young emerging prospects from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, jostle for the top prize in various categories.
The 3-day event is organized by the Southeast Badminton Outreach, in conjunction with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), and sponsored by Bet9ja Foundation, with the theme: discovery, development, and excellence.
The tournament is aimed at availing the coaches and sports directors the platform to asses the readiness of their players for the forthcoming National Sports Festival.
Speaking in an exclusive interview shortly after earning a spot in the next round of the championship, Imo State Emeka Uzokwu who attributed his victory to hard work and determination, hinted that his opponent’ was a tough and eexperienced player.
Also, Speaking, the Head of Officials at the event, Ifejika Godswill, commended the organizer of the program, saying that such opportunity will further enhance and upgrade the sports in the region.
On her part, the Abia State Badminton Head Coach, Duru Ngozi-Philip, who spoke about the challenges of raising players, however, revealed that their contingents are made of of both para and able body athletes
Meanwhile, the results of yesterday’s fixture shows that defending men’s champion, Jovita from Anambra State was in a world of his own defeating Ebonyi’s elevate in two straight sets of (21-15, 21-18), Abia State”s Dew lost to last edition’s semi finalist, Chikamso (Enugu) (11-21, and retired as a result of injury).
Also, in one of yesterday’s major upset saw experienced Abia State’s Jeremiah struggling to find a way through 2017 finalis, Emeka (Imo) in two straight sets of (19-21, 18-21), just as Mmesoma (Enugu) showed determination and resilience to emerged victorious against experienced Onwe (21-19, 12-21, 21-16).
The female category also lived up to expectations as Blessing (Anambra) needed to work extra harder to edge pass Akuoma (Abia) in a thrilling three sets that lasted more than 35 minutes of (21-18, 19-21, 21-16), while experienced Queen (Imo) dispatched her opponent, Chioma (Abia) in (21-7, 21-21-9) , then last edition’s semi finalist, Uju (Enugu) came out tops against Joan (Anambra) (21-8, 21-9).
n the wheelchair male category, Ohaeri (Abia) defeated Emmanuel (Imo) (21-8, 21-3), while the female category had Amarachi defeating her opponent, Akudo (Ebonyi) 21-16, 21-18), and last game saw Chioma (Imo) putting up a seamless performance against Nwamaka (Anambra) (21-4, 21-1).
The competition continues today, with some mouthwatering semifinal encounter in the male and female (singles)l events, as well as para, doubles, and mixed doubles categories.
