KROBAKPO, ABAH THROUGH TO LAST 16

Nigeria’s highest ranked Badminton player Krobapor Clement led the way of star players who qualified for the round of 16 of the ongoing 1^st Katsina Golden star National Badminton Championship with a  21-12, 17-21,21-6 victory over Adebayo Taiwo ranked 237^th in the world. The NSCDC player in a chat with www.badmintonnigeria.org admitted that the standard of the competition is high and he is under pressure to win the National Championship.

“ I just returned from Egypt and travelling down from Lagos to Kano by air before connecting Katsina by road took its toll on me but I must commend my opponent who also gave a good account of himself. It will be nice to win the championship but I know it won’t be easy’’.

Eneojo Abah,ranked 461^st in the world who  sailed into the round of 16  of the competition with a 21-12,21-12  victory over Musa Waleed in a chat with www.badmintonnigeria.org hailed the turnout of players and fans in the ongoing competition.

“We are happy to have the National Championship again. Winning your first game makes you feel relaxed but truth be told the higher you go the tougher it becomes “he concluded. In other results Kingsley Nelson of FCT beat  Adolphus Azuine of Delta state 21-9, 16-21, 21-19 , Simeon Akinsola of Ogun state in a very tough battle edged past Kayode Oyenira of the Nigerian Army 22-20 , 21 -18.Godwin Olufa lived up to his billing with a 21-17,21-14 victory over Yunusa Mommoh,Sola Abiodun fought back to beat Makansu Victor 12-21, 21-15, 20-22. In the women’s category which started on Thursday Ruth Ebere of Golden star beat Udoh Imelda in a keenly contested encounter 22-20 , 21-15 .Zainab Alabi of Kwara state thrilled fans with a 22-20 , 21-15 win against Asaba Bukola from FCT while lois Makidh was dominant against Hope Adukwu to qualify for the round of 16.Action resumes on Friday with the final holding on Saturday.