Nigeria’s Opeyori wins gold at Africa badminton championship
Without a coach or any accompanying official, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, Nigeria’s sole entry at the All Africa Individual Badminton Championships in Kampala, secured unexpected gold on Sunday.
The Badminton Federation of Nigeria made this known on Monday in a statement issued in Lagos.
It stated that it was also Nigeria’s first major win since the crisis in the administration of badminton ensued last year.
It was Opeyori’s second gold medal at the event after taking the 2019 title following a win against his compatriot, Godwin Olofua, in that final.
To get to the final, Opeyori beat 2017 champion Adel Hamek of Algeria in a convincing fashion with a 21-18, 21-18 semi-final triumph.
On his path to the semi-final, he beat home boy Israel Wanagalya of Uganda 18-21, 21-10 and 21-11 to get a 2-1 win having come back from a set down.
Opeyori won glory for Nigeria in spite of daunting challenges as he was the country’s sole entry at the championship because of the paucity of funds.
His doubles partner, Godwin Olofua, failed to show up, having travelled unexpectedly to Qatar.
(NAN)
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