Badminton: Opeyori Upbeat About Nigeria’s Progress At Championships

Reigning African champion, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, remains upbeat about Nigeria’s progress at the 2025 African Badminton Championships in Douala, Cameroon, after reaching the quarter-finals of the team event.

Meanwhile, on Court 2, fans witnessed a blockbuster head-to-head between Mauritius and Nigeria, a match that will be remembered for its spectacle and intensity.

Nigeria narrowly edged Mauritius 3-2 in a nail-biting encounter on Tuesday, leaving the fans on the edge of their seats.

Mauritius took an early lead in the mixed doubles, with Lucas Douce and Elsa Hong defeating Alhaji Shehu and Uchechukwu Ukeh 21-14, 21-17.

However, Nigeria quickly responded in the men’s singles as African champion Opeyori fought back from a set down to overcome Jean Bongout 15-21, 21-15, 21-13.

Speaking to BCA TV after his victory, Opeyori stated, “This victory is important for us as we want to top our group. The match went the distance, but I’m extremely proud to win this precious point for my team. Now the focus is on the quarter-finals, and I strongly believe we will win our upcoming matches as well.”

The 27-year-old Opeyori will hope to continue his dominance in the men’s singles category, seeking his fifth title having won his first title in 2019 before claiming consecutive titles from 2022 to 2024.

Nigeria continued their momentum in the women’s singles with Sofiat Obanishola defeating Chiara Hong 21-16, 21-17.

Mauritius wasn’t ready to give up just yet. In the men’s doubles, Bongout teamed up with the dynamic Georges Paul to deliver a brilliant performance, winning 13-21, 21-15, 21-11 against Joseph Emmy and Victor Ikechukwu.

The deciding match, the women’s doubles—was a thrilling contest. Nigeria’s Dorcas Adesokan and Obanishola faced fierce resistance from young Chiara and Hong, but the Nigerian pair held their nerve to clinch the final set 21-13, securing the tie for Nigeria.

Before Wednesday’s win, Nigeria had won their first two games against Zambia and Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria will also hope to win the team event which the country last won in 2019 as hosts of the competition.

Egypt are the defending champions of the team event, beating Mauritius 2-1 in a tense final during the last edition in South Africa.

This year’s championship holds even greater significance as it also serves as the qualification tournament for the Sudirman Cup Finals, one of the most prestigious mixed-team events in the world.

The 2025 tournament will run till February 16.