_Nigeria's Badminton Stars Shine at Confluence Championship__



Lokoja, Kogi State - The Confluence Badminton Championship came to a thrilling close, with Zuma Badminton Club and NSSB emerging victorious in the 56+ and 46+ categories respectively. The tournament, organized by the Confluence Badminton Club in conjunction with the Association of Badminton Clubs in Nigeria, showcased the best of Nigerian badminton talent.

Honorable Imran Usman Jibrin, Chairman of the Association of Badminton Clubs in Nigeria, praised the tournament's success, saying, "This is the second edition of the Confluence Badminton Championship, and we're thrilled with the turnout and level of competition."


The tournament featured five categories, with players from across the country competing for top honors. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering on their favorite players and teams.

According to Jibrin, the future of badminton in Nigeria looks bright. "Badminton is one of the fastest-growing sports in Nigeria, with new clubs springing up all over the country," he said. "We're excited about the potential of the sport and look forward to seeing it continue to thrive."


As the Association of Badminton Clubs in Nigeria looks to the future, Jibrin outlined plans for expansion and development. "We're committed to staying ahead of the curve and investing in innovation," he said. "We'll be expanding our programs and exploring new opportunities to ensure Nigerian badminton remains competitive on the world stage."

With its rich talent pool and growing popularity, Nigerian badminton is poised for greatness. As Jibrin noted, "Together, we're not just building a badminton community. We're shaping the future of our sport."also speaking ,Comptroller Muhammad Bapa Usman, retired Chairman of the Board of Badminton Association in FCT Abuja, who attended the Confluence Badminton Championship in Lokoja, praised the event's organization and coordination.


"I'm impressed with the tournament's smooth execution," he said. "The only challenges players are facing are the heat and lighting inside the hall, which I believe can be improved."

Usman expressed optimism about the future of badminton, not just in Nigeria but globally. "Badminton is becoming increasingly popular in Africa, second only to football," he noted.


The tournament featured various categories, including active players, ladies, veteran players, and mixed doubles. Usman highlighted the categorization, saying, "Each group plays in their respective categories, including 35+, 45+, and 56+."

Looking ahead, Usman mentioned the upcoming Mambila Badminton Championship, scheduled to take place in Abuja. "This will be another exciting local tournament, and I'm eager to see the competition unfold," he concluded.


Hon. Alhaji Zakito Umar, former Executive Chairman of Igala Mela/Odolu Local Government and Deputy Captain of the Niwa Badminton Court Lokoja, commended the Confluence Badminton Championship, saying, "This game is quite interesting, and the benefits are numerous - physical, emotional, and more. It's a game we play daily to stay fit and responsible."

Umar called on the state and federal governments to support the competition, highlighting its national appeal. "People have come from all over Nigeria - south, west, south-south and the north- to witness the final ceremony. By the grace of God, Kogi State will take the lead."

He advised young players to be dedicated and committed, as the game can shape them into responsible and fit individuals. Umar also appealed for badminton to be established across the 21 local governments, allowing youths to participate from the grassroots to the state level.

Describing the  competition as "very successful," Umar praised the committee's efforts and the caliber of participants. "The reward for the winners is already on the ground," he concluded.
Engineer Sadiq Abdumumni, a Fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers and member of the Confluence Badminton Club and also a former commissioner of works attended the Confluence Badminton Championship to support his team. "The tournament has been fantastic, and it's great to see people from all over the country, including Yola, Kaduna, and Katsina, participating," he said.

Abdumumni encouraged young people to take up badminton, highlighting its unique benefits. "Badminton is an interesting game that can be played up to the age of 70 or 75, unlike football or basketball. It's a game that keeps you fit and active," he explained.

Looking ahead, Abdumumni emphasized the need to develop youth badminton programs in Kogi State. "In Abuja, I participate in a youth badminton program at the barracks. We need to replicate such initiatives here to identify and train young talent, enabling them to become superstars in badminton and represent Kogi State in the future," he concluded.
Hassan Abubàkar -Editor. 

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