BADMINTON: Sports Minister Congratulates New African Champion Opeyori
Oru Leonard
The Sports Minister Sunday Dare has congratulated Nigeria’s Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori on his victory at the All Africa Individual Badminton Championships in Kampala, Uganda over the weekend.
Opeyori defeated the home boy Brian Kasirye of Uganda in straight sets, winning 21-14, 23-21 in a thrilling and pulsating encounter.
The Nigerian had earlier, also beaten the 2017 Champion Adel Hamek of Algeria in straight sets in the semifinal.
The Minister commended Opeyori for doing the nation proud and displaying the unconquerable Nigerian spirit at the Championships inspite of being the country’s sole representative.
Daily Trust reports that despite the crisis rocking the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori against all odds has won gold in the All-Africa Individual Badminton Championships in Kampala, Uganda.
“It was gathered that Opeyori was the only Nigerian after his teammates, Godwin Olofua and Dorcas Adesokan were unable to make it due to personal engagements.
“It was learnt that he had to attend alone without any coach or support staff and was able to win Nigeria’s first major win since the leadership crisis in the administration of badminton ensued late last year.
“It will be noted that there is no executive board of the Badminton federation in the country at the moment and the leadership of a caretaker committee had to get Opeyori a flight ticket to attend the championship.
“Opeyori avenged his loss in 2020 final with a thrilling 21-14, 23-21 win over Brian Kasirye of Uganda.
“It was his second individual gold medal at the event after taking the 2019 title following a win against countryman Godwin Olofua in that final”, the media outfit concluded.
