Anuoluwapo Opeyori claimed Nigeria’s first gold medal at the ongoing 13th edition of the African Games in Accra, Ghana, after defeating compatriot Godwin Olofua in the final of the men’s singles badminton event on Sunday.
The two Nigerians went head-to-head at the Borteyman indoor sports complex, and Opeyori, the defending champion, clawed back from a set down as he needed a third set to see off Olofua, who was also spectacular during the contest.
Olofua, who saw off another Nigerian in Victor Ikechukwu 2-0 in the semi-final, required a tie-break to win the first set, which he took 22-20, but Opeyori came back stronger in the next set, defeating his countryman 21-17 to even proceedings.
The third set was as competitive as the previous two, but Opeyori, who got to the final by overcoming his Egyptian opponent 2-1, eventually overcame Olofua 21-15 to defend his gold medal.
1st Gold ???? for Nigeria
Anuoluwapo Opeyori wins Nigeria first Gold ???? medal at the ongoing 13th African Games in Ghana.
The 2x African Games champion defeated Godwin Olofua 2-1 (19-21, 21-17, 21-15) in the Final of the men’s badminton singles.
#AfricanGames2023 #Accra pic.twitter.com/EI5HSfTnen
— Dare Kuti ‘Gattuso’ (@dkuti82) March 10, 2024
Nigeria took all the available medals in the men’s singles badminton event at the African Games, with Ikechukwu picking up the bronze medal.
In the women’s event, Nigeria’s Dorcas Adesokan, who lost her semi-final 2-0 to Uganda’s Husina Kobugabe, won a bronze medal in the singles event before teaming up with Sofiat Obanisola to claim another bronze medal in the women’s doubles.
