AASBC: Badminton Stars Hail PH, Wike Splashes Dollars

International Badminton players have praised Port Harcourt for the successful hosting of the All African Senior Badminton Championship, saying that the tournament has raised the level of the sport on the continent.
The players praised the peaceful atmosphere of Port Harcourt which contributed to the successful hosting of the Badminton tournament.
Linda Mazril from Algeria said that she enjoyed her stay in Port Harcourt as the competition was splendid in all ramifications .
A Mauritius Badminton player, Kate Foo Kume noted though that they had initial challenges adapting to the food and weather, the All African Senior Badminton Championship hosted by Port Harcourt was outstanding.
She said that Port Harcourt is a City that they would want to visit again because of the hospitality and security of the state
Captain of Nigerian Badminton Team, Ene Joe Aba said though other countries came with their best, Nigeria emerged victorious because of the preparation and support of the Rivers State Governor.
Another player of Team Nigeria, Peace Orji expressed happiness with the All African Senior Badminton Championship in Port Harcourt, saying that the tournament has lifted the standard of the game.
Also, Ruth Chinenye Ebere of Team Nigeria described the tournament as a dream come true for the sport. He said that the Championship has improved the standard of her game.
”My dream has been fulfilled by that tournament. This tournament is a dream come true. My game has been turned around”, she said.
Secretary General of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Austin Balewa said it was the first time the country was hosting the tournament after 19 years. He said that the Championship has improved several aspects of the game.
President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Honour Sirawoo said that the contributions of Governor Wike to sports development have been acknowledged worldwide, especially by sports writers.
Governor Wike thanked the Badminton Confederation Africa for bringing the tournament to Rivers State as it has placed the state on the global map.
He assured that he would continue to support the growth of Badminton and other sports.
Meanwhile, the governor at the Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Complex, Port Harcourt pledged to dole out the sum of $100,000 to Team Nigeria at the 2019 All Africa Senior Badminton Championships.
It was at the closing ceremony of the Championship powered by the Rivers State government which served off on the 22nd of last month in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Wike noted with delight the achievement of the players and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, BFN at the Championship. According to him, the players have done not only Rivers State proud but Nigeria as a whole.