In the past, Southeast has produced talents that have done the country proud in major international competitions but today the reverse is the case, and so the Zonal representative on the board of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Mrs. Oby Edeoga Solaja has expressed concerns towards the development of the game in the region.

She made the statement today during the opening ceremony of the maiden Southeast badminton championship, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, the 1996 Atlanta Olympian, hinted that the primary target of the competition was to develop and nature talented players for the future, while soliciting for individuals/corporate bodies support for the growth of the game.

  Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Umpire Badminton Federation (NUBF), Jimoh Wakehinde emphasised on the need to do more on the aspect of officials as a result of the role they play in the game, and is optimistic that with the advent of such kind of competition the situation will definitely improve.

Responding to how prepared are his players,  Coach of Team Enugu, Ifejika Godswill revealed that despite the tournament witnessing both national and state players on parade, his team cannot be intimidated rather they will put in their best to bring glory to the state.

However, the 3-day championship will serve as a preparatory ground ahead of the forthcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) zonal eliminations.