Badminton: Nigeria settles for silver at All Africa

Nigeria settled for silver medal in the men’s team at the ongoing 2024 All African Senior Badminton Championship in Cairo, Egypt, www.aclsports.com reports.

Despite leading by 2-0, Algeria came from behind to beat 3-2 in the men’s final played at the Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.

In the first game, Victor Ikechukwu defeated Koceila Mammeri 2-0 (22-20, 21-17). Anuoluwapo Opeyori gave Nigeria the lead by beating Youcef Medel 2-0 (21-17, 21-12). Algeria gathered momentum in the third set as Adel Hamek defeated Nigeria’s Godwin Olofua 2-1 (21-18, 16-21, 21-16).

Algeria levelled up as Mohamed Belarbi and Youcef Medel beat Joseph Emmanuel and Victor Ikechukwu 2-0 (24-22, 21-18). In the deciding game, Adel Hamek and Koceila Mammeri punished Godwin Olofua and Anuoluwapo Opeyori 2-0 (25-23, 21-15) in the men’s doubles.

Meanwhile, Nigeria beat Algeria to win the bronze medal in the women’s team event at the All African Seniors.

The head coach of Nigeria senior badminton team, Suleiman Tajudeen told www.aclsports.com that the target was to bring home gold medals in the team events but things didn’t work out as planned.

He praised the players for making it to the podium despite all odds.

Tajudeen said, “Before leaving Nigeria, our target was to win both gold medals but it is unfortunate that we could not. I am proud of the players for not letting the country down by winning silver (men) and bronze (women).

“The next assignment is to make Nigeria proud by winning all the available gold medals at the forthcoming African Games in Ghana next month”.

The President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih said, “Well done players, it was a tough battle coming from 2-0 down to clinch victory against the host country Egypt in the semi-finals. That was a very beautiful performance.

“For the girls, you fought a good fight; better luck next time”.