Lagos State’s Oyinolola Daniel stole the spotlight in Abeokuta as he emerged overall champion of the 9th Gbemiga Trust Southwest Under-14 Badminton Tournament, reaffirming his place among the region’s brightest young talents.
The two-day event, which brought together the best young shuttlers from across the Southwest, witnessed breathtaking displays of skill and determination.
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Daniel thrilled spectators with his all-round performance to defeat Ogun State’s Adenekan Samuel in a pulsating Boys’ Singles final. Okako Victor (Ondo) and Shoyomi Tobiloba (Ogun) settled for bronze medals.
In the Boys’ Doubles, Ogun State duo Adenekan Samuel and Shoyomi Tobiloba emerged winners, overcoming Daniel and his Lagos partner, Tiwase Elisha, who took silver. Bronze medals went to the pairings of Tokede Damilare/Dada Sulaiman (Ogun) and Tega Emojorho/Abubakar Adams (Lagos).
Ogun State dominated the Girls’ categories, with Omotayo Odunayo defeating Naomi Bello in straight sets to win the Singles title. Oguntola Salimot and Koleosho Nofisat completed the podium with bronze medals.
Odunayo later teamed up with Bello to clinch the Girls’ Doubles title, beating Koleosho and Oguntola to silver, while Afolabi Adekola (Oyo) and Audu Jubrin (Lagos) shared bronze.
The tournament, chaired by Hon. Gbeminiyi Ijaola and hosted by Mr. Tayo Akinfe, drew notable dignitaries including former Ogun State badminton coach Babatunde Badru and Mr. Adewale Adedokun of the Ogun State Sports Council.
In his remarks, Adedokun, representing Acting Director of Sports Mr. Oluseyi Shunde, commended the Gbemiga Trust Foundation for its enduring support of grassroots badminton. He described the championship as a vital platform for discovering future champions while reaffirming the government’s commitment to youth sports development.
Nigeria’s national badminton champion, Dorcas Adesokan, also lauded the Foundation for its instrumental role in nurturing talents, recalling how its support influenced her own career growth.
Chief Host, Mr. Tayo Akinfe, expressed gratitude to all states, officials, and parents for their support, pledging continued investment in grassroots badminton.
With growing participation and improved performances, the 9th Gbemiga Trust Southwest U-14 Badminton Tournament once again underscored the Foundation’s mission of building the next generation of badminton stars across the region
