Taraba State has once again found a reason to celebrate as rising badminton star, Blessing Isaac, has been selected to represent Nigeria at the 2026 All-Africa Senior Badminton Championship, scheduled for February in Botswana.

Hailing from Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Isaac earned her place on the national team after a series of impressive performances at competitions within and beyond Taraba State. Her growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s brightest badminton prospects was firmly cemented in 2025 when she clinched gold at the National Universities Games (NUGA) in Jos, Plateau State.

With her national call-up confirmed, Isaac has now been invited to join the Super Eagles Badminton national camping programme, where she will fine-tune preparations ahead of a fiercely competitive continental championship featuring Africa’s elite players.

At a send-off ceremony held over the weekend at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Sports Commission, Mr. George Haruna Shitta, praised Isaac’s discipline, consistency and commitment to excellence. He described her achievement as a proud moment for the state and reassured her of the Taraba State Government’s continued backing.

As a show of support, the Sports Commission presented Isaac with a cash reward and branded sports uniforms, a gesture officials said underscores the government’s dedication to grassroots sports development.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Taraba Veterans Badminton Club, Mr. Chindo Audu, urged the athlete to remain focused and fearless as she prepares to represent both state and country.

“We are sending you out to represent us. Please do your very best,” Audu said, encouraging her to compete with confidence and determination.

The State Coordinator of NG-Cares, Mr. Polycarp Stephen Adi, commended Taraba State’s sustained investment in sports, noting that the positive results being recorded are proof that consistent support for athletes pays off. He advised Isaac to remain disciplined and goal-driven as she steps onto the continental stage.

In her response, a visibly grateful Isaac thanked the state government, sports administrators and her mentors for their support. She revealed that her badminton journey began between 2014 and 2015, and that steady guidance from her coach and senior players shaped her development.

“I will give my very best and make Taraba State and Nigeria proud,” she pledged.

Opinion: Blessing Isaac’s rise is a powerful reminder that talent, when nurtured with structure and support, can thrive anywhere. Her journey from local courts in Taraba to the continental stage reflects the importance of grassroots investment in sports. Beyond medals, her story inspires young athletes across Nigeria, proving that dedication, discipline and opportunity can open doors to the biggest stages in African sports.