The women’s singles final at the Bet9ja Foundation Southeast Badminton Championship showcased yet another masterclass from Queen Chibuzor of Abia State, who reaffirmed her dominance on the regional circuit with a commanding victory over Enugu’s fast-rising star Uju Joy.
Chibuzor swept through the match in straight sets, 21–6, 21–12, combining sharp footwork with precise shot selection to keep her opponent under constant pressure. Her performance drew admiration from fans and officials alike, further cementing her reputation as one of the most consistent and technically gifted female players in Southeast Nigeria.
Despite the one-sided scoreline, the match featured moments of brilliance from Uju Joy, whose fast-improving skill set has made her one of Enugu’s most promising prospects. However, Chibuzor’s experience, composure and tactical awareness made the difference when it mattered most.
Speaking after the match, the Abia star revealed that she had to adjust her game plan early to neutralise her opponent’s strengths.
“Uju is technically gifted, so I had to change my approach quickly to control the game,”
Chibuzor said. “She is improving very fast, and that pushes us all to bring our best.”
Tournament officials praised Chibuzor’s blend of maturity and aggression, noting that her continued excellence is raising the bar for women’s badminton across the Southeast.
The triumph adds another feather to her cap in a championship that saw strong participation from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo States, with the Bet9ja Foundation once again hailed for its commitment to grassroots sports development.
As the curtains closed on the tournament, Chibuzor’s latest win stood out as one of the defining highlights—an emphatic reminder of her class, consistency, and the bright future of women’s badminton in the region.
Meanwhile, the doubles categories at the Bet9ja Foundation Southeast Badminton Championship delivered a thrilling display of teamwork, resilience, and high-intensity competition, keeping fans at the Indoor Sports Multipurpose Gymnasium Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on the edge of their seats.
The Men’s Doubles contest set the tone for an exhilarating afternoon. Anambra’s formidable duo, Jovita Anikwe and Owen Chidi, combined experience and pace to overpower Enugu pair Eya Chikamso and Nmesoma Udechukwu in straight sets, 21–11, 21–17. Anikwe, who also retained his men’s singles crown earlier in the day, showed no signs of fatigue as he partnered Chidi with seamless coordination and sharp court coverage.
In the Women’s Doubles, the atmosphere reached fever pitch as Queen Chibuzor and OkoroChinyere of Abia State delivered one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament. The pair dazzled spectators with quick reflexes, fluid exchanges and solid defensive play to defeat Enugu’s Uju Joy and Ada Okoro. The Abia duo’s synergy and tactical discipline helped them dominate rallies and maintain control from start to finish, earning loud cheers from the packed hall.
The highlight of the doubles events, however, came in the Mixed Doubles final. The Abia pair of Emeka Uzukwu and Queen Chibuzor once again showed why they remain one of the region’s most formidable combinations. Displaying remarkable chemistry, patience and fighting spirit, they outclassed the experienced Anambra team of Jovita Anikwe and Chioma Udeh. Despite Anikwe’s aggressive net play and Udeh’s sharp returns, the Abia pair held their ground, converting crucial points to secure a well-deserved victory.
Tournament officials praised the exceptional standard of play showcased in all doubles events, noting that they added depth and excitement to the three-day championship, which featured athletes from five Southeastern states.
With the Bet9ja Foundation’s continued support, the Southeast Badminton Championship has become one of the region’s most anticipated sporting events, promoting talent, teamwork and competitive excellence at all levels.
The Score Card:
- Men’s Doubles:
Jovita Anikwe & Owen Chidi (Anambra) defeated Eya Chikamso & Nmesoma Udechukwu (Enugu) 21–11, 21–17. - Women’s Doubles:
The electric atmosphere peaked as Queen Chibuzor & Okoro Chinyere (Abia) thrilled spectators with a skillful performance to overpower Uju Joy & Ada Okoro (Enugu). - Mixed Doubles:
Emeka Uzukwu & Queen Chibuzor (Abia) emerged victorious, displaying resilience and chemistry to beat the experienced pair of Jovita Anikwe & Chioma Udeh (Anambra)
