Nigeria’s leading badminton player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, is set to commence a three-week training tour in Italy in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), announced this during a send-off event for Opeyori at Civic Center, Lagos. Opeyori has made history as the first Nigerian badminton player to qualify for two consecutive Olympics, having previously competed in Tokyo 2020 and securing his spot for Paris 2024 in May.
Orbih detailed the federation’s plans for Opeyori, indicating that the training will start this week. “History was made in badminton when Anuoluwapo Opeyori secured a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. I am full of joy because Anu is the first Nigerian badminton player to feature in the men’s singles at the Olympic Games and also the first to attend two Olympics back-to-back,” he said.
He explained that the programme is titled ‘Send Forth’ because Opeyori will be traveling to Italy this week for a three-week training camp. Following this, the Ministry will open its training camp in Germany on July 1st where Opeyori will join Team Nigeria. “We also intend him to play the Mauritius International and one other championship. After the training camp he needs to go to the court and put to use the skills he acquired in camp. After that, he goes straight to the Olympics.”
President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, also charged Opeyori to put up a fine outing in France. “I’ll watch all your matches in Paris no matter how tight my schedule will be, so go make Nigerians proud.” Also present at the event were top dignitaries, including ace comedian and BFN brand ambassador Ali Baba, a former Commissioner for Sports, Lagos State, Enitan Oshodi, DG of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu as well as representatives of Mutual Benefits Assurance, Mikano Group, Dufil Prima Foods, Avis, Bond Global Energy, Studio 24, Ikoyi Club 1938 officials and members, amongst others.
Opeyori has been a dominant force in African badminton since 2019, winning four African Championship titles and two African Games titles. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in France.
