…….. Federation to promote game at grassroots – Orbih
Reigning African Badminton Champion, Anuoluwapo Opeyori has been crowned the ‘King’ of the 4th edition of the Mutual Benefits National Badminton Championship held in Lagos.
Nigeria number one player defeated Victor Ikechukwu (Rivers) 2-1 (22-20, 19-21, 21-17) to win the men’s singles final and also emerge winner of 3 out of the 4 editions of the championship.
In the men’s doubles, Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Daniel Christopher (Lagos) defeated Victor Ikechukwu and Emmanuel Joseph (Rivers) 2-1 (14-21, 21-19, 21-18) to emerge victorious.
Meanwhile, it was all an Edo State affair as the runner-up of the last Edition, Ruth Ebere defeated Deborah Ukeh 2-0 (21-16, 21-19) to emerge winner of the 4th edition in the women’s singles final.
Ruth Ebere edged out the former national and African champion, Adesokan Dorcas 2-0 (21-9, 21-19) in the semifinal while Deborah Ukeh defeated Sofiat Obanisola at 2-0 (21-9, 21-14) to book a place in the Finals.
Grace Gabriel and Ramatu Yakubu (FCT) defeated Sofiat Obanisola and Zainab Alabi (Rivers) 2-0 (21-16, 23-21) to win the women’s doubles final.
The final of the Mixed Doubles category saw the emergence of Babatunde Ayomide and Adekunle Oluwaferanmi (Kwara) as winners after defeating Usman Qudus and Tiamiyu Salawat (Oyo) at 2-1 (17-21, 21-18, 22-20).
The President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih has restated the determination and commitment of the Federation to promote the game at all.
Orbih who stated this in his message at the closing ceremony of the Championship said the Federation would not relent in taking the game to a high level, especially at the grassroot.
The BFN President appreciated the sponsor and co-sponsor of the event, Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC and GIG Group as “steadfast pillars of support for badminton in Nigeria”.
He commended the players on their dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to the sport.
Orbih described the overall turnout as quite impressive and the morale of the players high and the quality of play commendable.
Highlights of the closing ceremony was the demonstration of support for the game and players of Badminton in Nigeria as the Executive Director, Technical, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc gifted Anuoluwapo Opeyori, the current Nigeria No 1 Men’s Singles player and reigning African Champion, a Personal Accident Insurance to the tune of N5 Million which covers injuries, medical expenses, permanent disability and even death (which is not prayed for).
