1st Rivers Governor's National Badminton ended in grand style

Ist Rivers Governor's National Badminton ended in grand style
At last, the first edition of Rivers Governor's Badminton National Open championship has finally drawn the cotton to an end as the (4) days event which featured Bayelsa, Gombe, Delta, Ogun, Cross River, Oyo, Abia, Taraba, Benue, Anambra, Abuja, Ondo, Enugu, Kwara, Lagos, Kastina, Edo, Bauchi, Adamawa, Ekiti, Kwara, Yobe, Niger and host Rivers ended in a wonderful note.
However, the 155 athletes that registered online before the tournament began at Alfred Diette-Spiff, Civic center off Moscow road, Port-harcourt; have gave good account of themselves in their various categories.
Interestingly, the Rivers government has attracted so many individuals as a result of her collaboration with BFN throughout program. Besides, Amasti Cultural Club from the Opopo Kingdom, trilled the fans at the closing ceremony.
Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike who was fully represented by her Deputy, Dr. Mrs. Ipilo Baniga Ibalibo and other state delegates gave the event a colorful evening as everyone where specially entertained.
"Rivers state government has done so much for Sports development but we're ready to do more in order to keep Sports alive" she maintained.
Meanwhile, in the Mixed Double's match, (Oyo) Peace Orji paired with (Rivers) Enijoh Habba to defeat the duo of Yunusa Momoh and Ramatu Yakubu in a 21-16, 21-17 game.
Nevertheless, in a keenly contested match, Clement Krobakpo and Isaac Mianaphee of Rivers combine force to beat (Fct) Jiakam Ifrahim and Ola Fagbemi of Oyo state in the Men's Double which ended thus: 23-21, 17-21, 22-20.
"We're glad winning the title because defeating Africa no 1 is exciting despite playing our best"
"Determination and handwork gave us the chance which we long for since we started playing Badminton; and we target more victories at the forthcoming championship" Clement and Mainaphee.
In the female category, top seed Docas of (Ogun) sweep past (Edo) Deborah Ukeh in 21-14, 18-21, 21-17 encounter while Nigeria number (2) two Peace Orji with Deborah Ukeh secured a victory over Tosin Atolagbe/Amin Christopher.
Female best player, told www.titansportsnig.com "Becoming a champion is easy but remaining there is really tough, i'm look forward to win more medals through handwork" Docas Adesokun summarized.
Amazing performance from both Nigeria favorite male player's in the Men's Singles finals that favored the Anu Oluwapo Opeyori who competed against Godwin Olufua despite representing the same 'State of Excellence' in the championship.
In the he Wheelchair finals, Dickson Dada claimed victory from Victor Isurumba in their clash.
Aside form Medal presentation, trophies and other benefits received by the winners, they had the privilege of snapping with the Badminton legend Tamuno Gibson as well as the NFN boss Barr. Francis Orbih.
Speaking to Journalist, "I'm grateful to his Excellency who has immensely contributed to this huge event, adding without a doubt, Championship like this will push a player's to Coaches, even Administrators for better performance.
He continued, "We look forward to All Africa Senior Championship which will be hosted in this epic facility, we have confidence that Rivers state is capable of hosting it"
"Appreciating the good display of sportsmanship from player's, coaches, officials and administrators during the program" he finalized.
BFN legendary Tamuno Gibson told us, "As a legend isn't an easy task, just that honoring me today makes me feel delighted, its the best moment of my career"
Adding, i'm happy the BFN president like the game and he has really done so much to build the game"
"As a role model to the upcoming once, i want to train Champions like me in the nearest future" he concluded.
Conclusively, the event was brought to a close shorting after the recitation of Nigeria National Anthem with raffle draws where lucky winners took home bags of Rice, Blender, Chargeable fans, Torch light, Pressing iron etc.