Nigeria’s badminton team made history at the All African Senior Badminton Championship in Egypt, winning gold, silver and bronze medals in the women’s and men’s events.
The team defeated the hosts Egypt in the final of the women’s team event, while the men’s team settled for silver after losing to Algeria. Nigeria also clinched bronze medals in the mixed team and individual events, Sports247 reports.
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Mr. Francis Orbih, expressed his delight at the team’s performance in a press conference after the tournament. He said:
“Well. I feel very elated what the players were able to achieve at the All African Senior Badminton championship in Egypt. It was a tough battle and with the team putting up a very courageous fight, we were able to come out with a good result.”
“We could have done better, definitely, but we will not dwell on that. Rather, we have shifted our focus to the All African Games in Ghana, where we hope to improve on this performance. I’m proud of the team and I say big congratulations to our warriors.”
He also praised Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori, who emerged as the African champion for the fifth time in a row, and said his result was a boost to his chances of qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris. He said:
“For Anuoluwapo, already five times current and reigning African champion, this result is a boost to his chances of qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris. Once again, congratulations to team Nigeria.”
The All African Senior Badminton Championship was held from February 12 to February 18, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt. It featured 16 countries and served as a qualifier for the All African Games and the Olympic Games. Nigeria’s badminton team will now prepare for the All African Games, which will take place in Accra, Ghana, from July 13 to July 28, 2024.
