Jovita Aniekwe of Anambra State, over the weekend emerged winner in the Senior men’s single final at the inaugural edition of the Southeast Zonal Badminton Championship tagged “battle of the east” by defeating Anthony Chukwuemeka also from Anambra State inside the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Enroute to the final, the experience Aniekwe defeated Chinedu Adiele (Ebonyi), Chikezie Eke (Imo) and Ifeajika Godswill (Enugu) respectively, to cart home the star prize of #30,000, a giant trophy and sets of badminton equipment.
Speaking in a exclusive interview with Powersports correspondent, Ugo Okeiyi, after the tension soaked encounter, an excited Aniekwe expressed joy over his performance, acknowledging that his opponent was indeed a very good player.
On his overall assessment of the maiden edition of the competition in the region, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Barrister Francis Orbih was indeed impressed with the level participation, hinting that the federation will continually throw it’s weight behind such tournament for the growth of the game in the zone.
Also speaking, Coach of Team Anambra, Nwaeje Chuma, was grateful to God for their performance at the competition, adding that the reward for their hardwork, commitment and dedication had paid off finally.
Similarly, winner in the female category, Nwaimoh Sunday (Imo State) who smiled home with the sum of #30,000, trophy and badminton equipment admitted that it was not an easy game but after understudying her opponent’s style of play, she had to readjust her game plan to come out victorious.
On her part, Zonal representative on the board of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Mrs. Obiageli Edeoga Solaja harps on the significance of sports development especially in the region, calling on the sports authorities to give critical attention and support to the sector.
Responding to the sponsorship role associated with badminton championship, Special Agent of Bet9ja, Barrister Emeka Ofora, is fulfilled that the company was part of history of the maiden edition of the tournament, promising that the organization will continue to promote sports in the region.
However, recipients of other categories include: Under-20 Boys single (Nathaniel Udoma, Ebonyi), girls single (Okorie Chinyere, Abia) and the Veterans (Joseph Ndigbo and Sadiq Musa, Ebonyi).
Other are Men doubles: (Jovita Aniekwe and Anthony Chukwuemeka, Anambra), Women doubles: (Eneh Obianuju and Chidolue Chinaza, Enugu) and Mixed doubles: (Aniekwe Jovita and Bridget Ada, Anambra).
Meanwhile, the climax of the 3-day event witnessed dignitaries from the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports, officials of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), rep of the sponsors, ex internationals among others.
