Anuoluwapo Opeyori, the multiple African Men’s Singles Badminton Champion, has secured qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as confirmed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The BWF officially announced Opeyori’s qualification on its website.
Opeyori, a two-time African Games champion, made history by becoming the first Nigerian badminton player to qualify for consecutive Olympic Games (2020 and 2024).
He has been dominating the men’s singles category in Africa since 2019, clinching four African Championship titles and two African Games titles.
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), expressed his delight to reporters on Saturday, highlighting Opeyori’s breakthrough in Nigerian badminton history by earning a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Orbih emphasised that the BFN is committed to supporting young players’ dreams and aspirations to achieve podium finishes.
“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 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,” Orbih said.
Orbih urged Opeyori not to ease up but to continue training rigorously to attain peak performance ahead of the Olympic Games.
“I want to urge Opeyori to continue training hard for the Games; we are going to ensure he attends training tours before the Olympic Games,” Orbih added.
The 2024 Paris Olympics Games are scheduled to take place from July 26 to Aug. 11.