The 2024 National Sports Festival, hosted in Ogun State, witnessed the commencement of badminton competitions at the Alake Sports Centre in Abeokuta. The opening day featured intense clashes in both the men’s and women’s team events, with athletes vying for national honors and showcasing their prowess in the shuttlecock sport. The women’s team event, in particular, saw several exciting quarter-final matchups that set the stage for a thrilling semi-final round.
Ogun State, the host team, spearheaded by Olympian and multiple African Championships medalist Dorcas Adesokan, dominated their quarter-final encounter against the Invited Junior Athletes. Adesokan and her teammates displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, securing a decisive 3-0 victory in the singles matches, effectively ending the contest and propelling them into the semi-finals. Their semi-final opponents, Lagos State, also demonstrated their dominance by sweeping aside Delta State with a similar 3-0 scoreline. The Lagos team, comprising Jumoke Obasanmi, Naomi Tanko, and Michelle Musa, delivered a series of impressive rallies and strategic plays, leaving their opponents with no answers.
The defending champions, Edo State, continued their quest for a consecutive title with a commanding performance against Team FCT. Led by the formidable trio of Ruth Ebere, currently ranked number one in Nigeria, Deborah Ucke (ranked second), and Blessing Ihenslekhlen (ranked eighth), Edo State showcased their depth and talent, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory. Their dominance in the quarter-finals set up a challenging semi-final clash against Rivers State, another strong contender boasting notable players like Sofiat Obanisola and Zainab Alabi.
Rivers State’s path to the semi-finals was more arduous, requiring a decisive doubles victory to overcome a resilient Oyo State team. After the singles matches concluded with a close 2-1 scoreline in favor of Rivers State, the doubles pairing of Obanisola and Alabi stepped up to the challenge. They delivered a clutch performance against Oyo State’s Damilola Oyedepo and Motunrayo Abiola, securing the crucial final point to win the match 3-1 and advance to the semi-finals. The clash between Edo State and Rivers State promises to be a captivating encounter, showcasing some of the best badminton talent in the country.
The men’s team event, starting from the round of 32, was also underway on the opening day. The initial rounds provided an opportunity for a wider range of teams to compete and showcase their skills, setting the stage for a progressively more competitive tournament as the field narrows. As the men’s competition progresses, the emerging contenders will undoubtedly face stiffer competition, leading to thrilling matchups in the later stages of the tournament.
The National Sports Festival serves as a platform for athletes from various states across Nigeria to compete against each other, fostering national unity and promoting the development of sports within the country. The badminton events, with their mix of emerging talent and established stars, provide a compelling spectacle for spectators and highlight the growing popularity of badminton in Nigeria. The semi-final clashes in both the men’s and women’s team events promise to be exciting contests, showcasing the dedication and athleticism of these talented badminton players as they strive for national glory.
