Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Chairman of Rivers State Badminton Association, Musa Doma says Nigeria will host and win the forthcoming All Africa Badminton Championship AABC slated to hold next month in Port Harcourt.
He explained that the spirit of the players in camp was high, adding that, the state is ready to host a successful Championship.
According to him, all team Nigeria players are in camp at the University of Port Harcourt doing well in terms of training, adding that the medical team is also on ground in case of any injury.
He lauded the state government in the area of Sports development and promotion in the state and beyond.
The chairman explained that the first Rivers Governor Wike National Badminton Championship that was held last December was a test run the facilities on ground.
“Some minor work is ongoing at the Alfred Diete Spiff sports complex the venue for the Championship,” Doma said.
He revealed that the Main Organising Committee (MOC) will arrive at the state this week for the final inspection of the facilities and unveil the Mascot for the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, BFN has invited to camp a total number of 30 players (16 men and 14 women) in preparations for the All Africa Senior Badminton Championship slated to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers state from the 22nd of April,2019.
Of the number invited, all but Tosin Atolagbe, who is unavoidably absent due to family commitments, have reported to the camp.
Invited to the camp are;
MEN.
1.Anu Opeyori
2.Godwin Olofua.
3.Clement Krobakpo.
4.Eneojo Abah.
5.Habeeb Bello
6.Kayode Mope
7.Aliyu Shehu
8.Gideon Babalola.
9.Segun Idowu
10.Tunde Bankole
11.Ahmad Balarabe Umar
12.Daniel Christopher
WOMEN.
1.Dorcas Adesokan
2.Deborah Ukeh
3.Tosin Atolagbe
4.Funke Aiyenugba
5.Ruth Ebere
6.Augustina Sunday
7.Peace Orji
8.Amen Christopher
9.Ramatu Yakubu
10.Zainab Alabi
11.Aminat Ilori
12.Sofiyat Obanisola
PLAYERS FOR TRIALS.
MEN.
1.Adeyemi Odelabi
2.Funsho Opeyori
3.Yunusa Momoh
4.Isaac Minaphee
WOMEN.
1.Mariam Oke
2.Asisat
The All Africa Senior Championships is made of two separate tournaments: the Mixed Team Event holding from 22nd – 25th April and the Individual Championship to hold from the 26th – 28th April 2019.
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, has assured all badminton Stakeholders that the Board of the Federation under his watch will leave no stones unturned in ensuring fair participation opportunities for all players in the country.
