Sports
History Maker: Opeyori Secures A Spot In Paris 2024 Olympics
- Opeyori becomes the first Nigerian badminton player to compete in men’s singles at two consecutive Olympics.
- BFN President stresses continued support for Opeyori’s training to ensure peak performance.
- Opeyori is urged to maintain his dedication as he prepares for the Olympic stage.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Anuoluwapo Opeyori has clinched a spot among the 173 badminton players set to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
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His qualification marks him as the first Nigerian player to secure spots in two Olympic Games, having previously competed in the delayed Tokyo 2020.
Note that the Badminton World Federation’s list comprises 166 regular quota places, divided evenly between 83 men and 83 women.
Along with three universality places granted by the IOC Tripartite Commission (two for men and one for women).
Additionally, an extra spot has been allocated for IOC Refugee Olympic Team athlete Dorsa Yavarivata, whose participation was officially confirmed earlier this month in a special announcement by the IOC.
Opeyori dominated Africa in the men’s singles from 2019 till date, winning four African Championship titles and two African Games titles.
Hence, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, expressed his elation on Saturday.
He stated that Anuoluwapo Opeyori’s qualification for the Olympic Games in Paris has shattered the longstanding barrier in Nigerian badminton.
Orbih said Opeyori’s qualification shows that the current leadership of BFN’s target of producing world-class players is beginning to manifest.
He stressed that the Badminton Federation of Nigeria is fully committed to supporting the dreams and ambitions of young players.
Furthermore, leaving no effort spared to ensure they have the resources needed to achieve podium finishes.
Orbih said, “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.
Godwin Olofua and Aanuoluwapo Opeyori
“I am excited and full of joy because Anuoluwapo 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 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.”
However, Orbih urged Anuoluwapo Opeyori to maintain his dedication and continue training rigorously to reach peak performance in preparation for the Olympic Games.
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He said, “I want to urge Anuoluwapo Opeyori to continue training hard for the Games;
“We are going to ensure he attends training tours before the Olympic Games.”
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