Jovita Anikwe of Anambra State has admitted that his fourth conquest of the annual south-east badminton championship, which he achieved this weekend in Enugu, was the toughest of all for him, Sports247 reports.
Anikwe disclosed this after he successfully retained the men’s singles title at the fourth edition of the annual championship in the multi-purpose gymnasium hall of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
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Anikwe recalled that he actually said before this year’s competition began that he was not sure of winning a fourth straight title, hence his extra joy after he defeated Jeremiah Nnanna, a 2024 Paralympian from Abia State, in straight sets of 21-13, 21-16.
Although Imo State won the competition overall, Anikwe pulled off another individual feat, with an extended surge and repeat of the same dominant conquests that he enacted from 2022 to 2025 and now 2026.
However, while he won the men’s singles, Anikwe and his mixed doubles partner, Chioma Udeh finished as runners-up in that event, after losing to Emeka Uzukwu and Queen Chibuzor of Abia State.
A review of the competition noted in part, “Anikwe has a stellar track record as a dominant force in regional badminton, notably securing multiple titles. Anikwe has now captured four consecutive titles at the Bet9ja South-East Badminton Championship.
“In the fourth edition of the competition at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, he successfully defended his crown by defeating 2024 Paris Paralympic athlete Jeremiah Nnanna of Abia State in straight sets: 21-13, 21-16.
“He currently ranks as Nigeria’s number three player nationally in the mixed doubles category and made history by securing podium finishes that established Anambra State as a dominant force in South-East Nigerian badminton.”
