Anuoluwapo Opeyori Claims Fifth African Badminton Title in Douala
Anuoluwapo Opeyori solidified his place as Africa’s premier men’s badminton player by winning his fifth African title at the 2025 African Badminton Championships in Douala, Cameroon. Opeyori defeated Egypt’s Adham Elgamal in a hard-fought men’s singles final at the Gymnase de Japoma, clinching a 2-0 victory.
Opeyori’s Dominant Performance in the Final
Opeyori showcased his prowess, taking the first set comfortably with a 21-7 win. The second set, however, proved to be a tougher contest. Opeyori had to dig deep, eventually securing a 23-22 victory over Elgamal to seal the match. This win marked Opeyori’s fourth consecutive African title, following victories in 2022, 2023, and 2024. His first African title came in 2019, solidifying his dominance on the continent.
Path to Victory: Opeyori’s Route to the Final
The 27-year-old, ranked as Africa’s number two player heading into the tournament, displayed his skill throughout the competition. In the lead-up to the final, Opeyori defeated Driss Bourroum to reach the title match. Elgamal, on the other hand, stunned top seed Julien Paul of Mauritania to earn his place in the final.
Nigeria’s Performance in the Championships
While Opeyori’s victory was a shining moment for Nigeria, the country’s overall performance in the tournament fell short in the team event. Nigeria was eliminated in the quarter-finals after a 3-0 defeat to Mauritius. The highly anticipated clash between the two teams ended in disappointment for Nigeria, as Mauritius delivered an impressive performance.
Disappointment in the Team Event
The quarter-final clash was intense, with Opeyori battling Lucas Douce. Lucas took the first set 21-12, but Opeyori fought back to win the second set 21-19. In the decider, Lucas proved to be the more consistent player, clinching the match 21-15 after 57 minutes of thrilling action.
In the women’s singles, Sofiat Obanishola suffered an unfortunate injury after winning the first set against Elsa Hong, forcing her to retire early in the second set. This setback was a difficult blow for Nigeria’s team, as Sofiat had shown great potential.
Mauritius sealed their victory in the men’s doubles, with Jean Bongout and Julien Paul dominating Emmanuel and Ikechukwu in straight sets, 21-16, 21-13, in just 31 minutes.
Opeyori’s Triumph: Nigeria’s Brightest Moment
Despite Nigeria’s team disappointment, Opeyori’s individual triumph remains a standout achievement, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s top badminton players.
MORE NEWS
Finidi George Analyzes Rivers United’s 1-0 Defeat to Enyimba in NPFL
Ezekiel Nathaniel Sets World Lead, Breaks African Record in NCAA 400m
Wilfred Ndidi Linked with Atletico Madrid as Defensive Midfield Search Intensifies
