Five-time African badminton champion, Anuoluwapo Opeyori has expressed delight defending his men’s singles title at the 2023 African Games in Ghana.
Opeyori defeated Godwin Olofua 2-1 (19-21, 21-17, 21-15) in the indoor sports hall of Borteyman Sports Complex.
An elated Opeyori told www.aclsports.com that he feels happy defending his title as well as qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
He vowed to work on all the lapses observed during all his matches at the African Games.
The Olympian said, I feel fulfilled defending my title and claiming the African Games gold medal again, despite the pressure from all my opponents and the task of getting the only available slot for the Olympic Games here.
“This tournament is not an easy feat for me as I made a lot of errors due to not having good sessions. I was able to put my heart and spirit into it which is what matters.
He further said, “The race is not over yet, but I will say I am in a strong position in the qualifying series. The qualification ends next month (April), so I have to keep playing more international tournaments until the qualification ends.
“I do not have pressure as my spot is strong but I do not want to relax until everything is over. Many people thought I was going to play Paul Julien in the men’s singles final but my doubles partner beat him in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, the pair of Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Godwin Olofua settled for the silver medal in the men’s doubles event.
Nigeria won a total of five medals consisting of 1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze.
