Lagos State dominates South West badminton championship

Photo: Caption:Chairman of Lagos State Badminton Association Barrister John Duru presenting medals and trophies to winners of the tournament.

By Ifeanyi Eduzor
Lagos State Friday at the Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun, Stadium, Surulere, Lagos continued their dominance of badminton when they emerged overall winners of the South West badminton championship.
In the men’s singles finals, Daniel Christopher of Lagos defeated Sola Abiodun of Oyo State to emerge winner with Ondo state’s Timilekun Ologosere and his Ekiti State ciunterpart, Lucky Ohireme coming third.
The women’s singles final was also won by Lagos through Grace Gabriel who beat Aminat Ilori of Ogun State to the second position just as Farida Umar and Jumoke Obanisola both of Lagos came third and fourth respectively.
Also the men’s doubles saw Daniel Christopher and Abel Joseph of Lagos State winning the title while Emmanuel Ogunsaniwo and Michael Chuks of Ondo State came second with the pair of Abba Mohammad and Gbolahan Ajose of Lagos coming third just as Grace Gabriel and Funke Ayenugba of Lagos won the women category with Farida Umar and Jumoke Obamisola also of Lagos taking the second position while Felicia Omotala and Rukayat Jimoh of Ogun State and Motunirayo Abiola and Damilola Oyedepo representing Ondo State where joint third place
winners.
Presenting prizes and trophies to the winners, Chairman of Lagos State Badminton Association, Barrister John Duru said that the tournament was part of it’s grassroots development programme noting that
the quality of play displayed in the tournament is a testimony that the country boasts of capable players who when fully nurtured can hold their own at both the continental and global state.
He was Particularly happy that the state players did not disappoint, positing that the event also serves as a dress rehersal for the forthcoming National Sports Festival just as he commended the Lagos State Government and the Sports Commission for their support in organizing the championship aimed at further development of the racket game in the South West geo- political zone of the country.
” I’m very excited with the turnout of players and the successful hosting of the tournament which is part of Lagos State Government’s plan to develop grassroots sports not only in the Center of Excellence but in the entire South West Region.
” The performance of ‘Team Lagos’ was a confirmation that the state is dictating the pace in badminton and will continue to do so. Right now, our focus is dominating the forthcoming National Sports Festival and with the quality of play displayed by our players, we’re ready to go”, he sounded confidently.
He was also full of praises to their numerous sponsors even as he expressed hope they’ll be there for them in subsequent editions.
Also speaking at the closing ceremony, President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria Barrister Frank Orbih commended the organizers for a job well done and challenged other states to emulate Lagos State and embark on aggressive grassroots sports development.
” One must appreciate what Lagos State is doing in developing sports at the grassroots and I believe that if other states can emulate them, Nigeria will be a force to be reckoned with globally in sports.
“It’s equally important I commend Lagos State Badminton Association for putting up such a hitch free tournament and I look forward to having such tournaments in future”, he stated.
Orbih also announced that the Lagos Badminton Open which was put on hold because of COVID-19 Pandemic will hold next month.
At the end of the tournament, Farida Umar of Lagos State was adjugded as the most improved and promising female player while that of the male went to Lucky Ohireme of Ekiti State.
Winners went home with water dispensers, microwave oven, trophies, medals and cash awards.