Opeyori Becomes First Nigerian Badminton Player to Qualify for Olympics Back-to-back

Femi Solaja

Multiple African Men’s Singles Badminton Champion, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, according to the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Opeyori who is a two-time African Games Champion made history by becoming the first Nigerian badminton player to make it to the Olympics back-to-back (2020 and 2024).

Opeyori dominated Africa in the men’s singles from 2019 till date winning four African Championship titles and two African Games titles.

An elated President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih,  told newsmen yesterday that Opeyori has broken the jinx in Nigeria badminton by making it to the Olympic Games in Paris.

Orbih stressed Opeyori’s qualification shows that the current leadership of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) target of producing world-class players is beginning to manifest.

He revealed that BFN will leave no stone unturned in supporting the dreams and aspirations of the young players in making podium finishes.

Orbih said, “History has been made in badminton as Anuoluwapo Opeyori has secured a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with the release made by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

“I am excited and full of joy because Anuoluwapo Opeyori is the first Nigerian badminton player to feature in the men’s singles at the Olympic Games and also the first Nigerian to attend two Olympics and back to back.

“Three years ago, it was Dorcas Adesokan in the women’s singles and Opeyori with his partner Godwin Olofua in the men’s doubles that made it to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Today, Anuoluwapo Opeyori will represent Nigeria in the men’s singles; the leadership of BFN and Nigeria are proud of him,” observed the BFN president.

Orbih charged Opeyori not to relent but continue to train and attain top form ahead of the Olympic Games.

He said, “I want to urge Anuoluwapo Opeyori to continue training hard for the Games; we are going to ensure he attends training tours before the Olympic Games”.