Nigeria badminton player, Godwin Olofua says there is no going back on qualifying for Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Olofua disclosed this after winning silver medals in the men’s doubles event at the Uganda and Kenya International series last February.
The National number two player told www.aclsports.com that the country stands a better chance of qualifying in the men’s doubles event.
He said, “There is no going back on Tokyo 2020 Olympics by the grace of God. One of our best chances of qualifying for the Olympics is in the men’s doubles (Godwin Olofua and Anuoluwa Opeyori). We are currently ranked 44 in the Badminton Olympic qualification (men doubles) ranking. I and my partner have to be below 50 till 28th of April Olympic qualification will close.
He further said, “I feel extremely excited winning the silver medal at the Uganda International Series because it has added to our Olympic points, but our major aim was to clinch the Gold medal. We also won another silver medal at the Kenya International Series. The Uganda International Series has more point than Kenya international future series”.
The former African champion told www.aclsports.com that the late visa by the Egyptian embassy to the All African Championship last month was heartbreaking.
He said, “I felt so bad experiencing the high level of frustration from the Egyptian embassy because this particular Championship was the same in 2018 Algeria All Africa Championship where the Algerians robbed us at the finals.
“The 2020 All African Championship in Egypt would have been a payback to prove to them that we are the Best Team in Africa but we were denied visa early and this left us heartbroken. The winner of the championship will be sponsored for the final in Denmark”.
He said, “We are not dealing with Africa alone but the World, the Asian and European countries. Nigeria men doubles are currently ranked 44; so many Asian and European countries are behind up also trying to be below 50 to Qualify. For now, the European and Asian countries are the threat to us mot the ones behind us”.
