Team Nigeria Gears Up for 2025 All-African Senior Badminton Championship
The Nigerian contingent is preparing to compete in the 2025 All-African Senior Badminton Championship, set to take place in Douala, Cameroon, from February 10 to 16. With a determined squad of 10 players—five men and five women—Team Nigeria aims to make a strong impact in this prestigious tournament.
The team will participate across multiple categories, including Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Among the standout players is Anuoluwapo Opeyori, Nigeria’s top-ranked badminton player, who is determined to defend his African singles title after clinching gold last year.
Anuoluwapo Opeyori: Defending the Title
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 31: Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori of Team Nigeria competes in the Badminton – Men’s Singles Group Play Stage match against Li Shifeng of Team China on day 5 of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Porte de la Chapelle Arena on July 31, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Zhao Wenyu/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
Opeyori is eager to make history by securing back-to-back victories at the championship. Reflecting on his past success, he stated:
“Winning the title last year was a dream come true. This year, I’m more prepared and focused on retaining my championship.”
His performance will be crucial in setting the tone for Team Nigeria’s aspirations of dominating the African badminton scene.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 29: Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna of Team Nigeria and Marcel Adam of Team Germany compete during the Men´s Singles SL4 Group Play Stage – Group C match on day one of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena on August 29, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin Voigt/GettyImages)
Previous Achievements and Future Aspirations
At the previous edition held in Cairo, Egypt, Team Nigeria showcased its talent, securing:
1 Gold Medal
2 Silver Medals
4 Bronze Medals
With rigorous training sessions held in Abuja, the team is well-prepared and aiming for an even stronger showing in the 2025 edition.
During a recent visit to the team’s training camp, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to supporting Nigerian sports federations, including badminton.
“For us at the NSC, and speaking the mind of our Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, badminton has become a very important sport in the Nigerian sports ecosystem. President Francis Orbih and his leadership team have created a buzz around badminton, and it is evident in what athletes like Aanu (Opeyori) have achieved.”
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 29: Marcel Adam of Team Germany and Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna of Team Nigeria compete during the Men´s Singles SL4 Group Play Stage – Group C match on day one of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena on August 29, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin Voigt/GettyImages)
BFN’s Confidence in Team Nigeria
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), expressed his confidence in the team’s readiness and ability to shine at the upcoming championship.
“I’m confident they will perform very well. We have a lot of potential, and the Director General’s visit will further boost their morale. We appreciate the support.”
Nigeria’s Godwin Olofua (L) hits a shot next to Nigeria’s Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori in their men’s doubles badminton group stage match against Russia’s Vladimir Ivanov and Russia’s Ivan Sozonov during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Musashino Forest Sports Plaza in Tokyo on July 27, 2021. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP) (Photo by PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images)
Road to Glory: Team Nigeria’s Final Preparations
As the countdown to the 2025 All-African Senior Badminton Championship begins, Team Nigeria is poised to make the country proud on the continental stage. The squad is focused, motivated, and ready to battle for multiple titles and establish itself as a dominant force in African badminton.
