Nigeria’s exceptional performance at the recent All Africa Senior Badminton Championship in Cairo 2024 saw the team clinch seven medals, with Anuoluwapo Opeyori, the country’s top badminton player, securing his fifth African title. Opeyori’s remarkable victory adds to an impressive string of wins, further solidifying his dominance in the sport.
In the team event, Nigeria’s male squad narrowly missed the gold, settling for silver after a hard-fought battle against Algeria in the finals. The women’s team, on the other hand, secured a valuable bronze despite facing a tough loss in the semifinals against the Ugandan team.
During the individual events, Opeyori showcased his prowess by defeating his compatriot Victor Ikechukwu in the semi-finals, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown with Mauritian Georges Julien Paul in the finals. Opeyori’s masterful performance led to a well-deserved victory, earning him his third consecutive MS crown and his fifth African title.
Nigeria’s emerging pair of Yunusa Momoh Godwin Olofua also shone in the competition, reaching the finals after a commendable display against Mauritius players. However, they narrowly missed the gold, settling for silver after facing off against Africa’s top pair from Algeria.
In the women’s doubles, Nigeria’s Dorcas Ajoke Adesokan and her new partner, Sofiyat Obanishola, showcased resilience, securing a spot on the podium with a hard-fought bronze medal.
Despite facing challenges in the mixed doubles event, another new pair from Nigeria, Aliyu Alhaji Shehu and Deborah Ukeh-Divine, demonstrated their potential by securing the bronze medal.
Overall, Nigeria’s performance at the championship yielded an impressive total of 1 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze medals, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in badminton.
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, expressed gratitude for the team’s remarkable performance while acknowledging the disappointment in the men’s team event. He also thanked the Minister for Sport Development, John Enoh, for the ministry’s support and emphasized the federation’s commitment to continue nurturing talent across all levels.
Looking ahead, Orbih highlighted the federation’s plans to prepare for the upcoming badminton event at the All Africa Games in Ghana, emphasizing their dedication to further elevate Nigeria’s presence in the sport.
