Africa number 1, Anuoluwapo Opeyori and his pair, Godwin Olofua gave a good account of themselves when Nigeria beat South Africa 4-1 in the Men’s Team on Day 2 of the 2024 All African Senior Badminton Championship in Egypt on Tuesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Anuoluwapo Opeyori defeated Caden Kakora of South Africa 2-0 (21-14, 21-11) in the match one of the men’s singles, Godwin Olofua fought from a set to conquer Robert Summers 2-1 (19-21, 21-16, 23-21) while Aliyu Shehu beat Cameron Coetzer 2-0 (21-13, 21-19).
In the men’s doubles, the pair of Joseph Emmanuel and Victor Ikechukwu lost to Jarred Elliott and Robert Summers 1-2 (16-21, 21-18, 14-21) before Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Godwin Olofua subjugated Cameron Coetzer and Caden Kakora 2-0 (21-17, 21-17).
The head coach of Nigeria senior badminton team, Suleiman Tajudeen praised the team for their tenacity in the face of a formidable South Africa team.
He told www.aclsports.com that the players are determined to return to Nigeria with the trophy after passing through intense camping.
Tajudeen said, “The players showed tenacity against South Africa in their match. I am optimistic the players stand a chance of bringing home the trophy and hand it over to the President.
“I have told the players that the only way they can draw attention from the authorities is to maintain their winning status. I am happy the minister of sports, Senator John Enoh is aware of the African Championship and I am confident that the players will get the special recognition they deserve”.
Nigeria will face Cameroon in their last group stage match before proceeding to the semi-finals of the men’s category on Wednesday evening.
