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With just days to the 2025 All-Africa Senior Badminton Championship, Nigeria’s national team is fully focused on securing a strong finish, as the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, visited their training camp in Abuja to boost morale.
Olopade delivered a goodwill message from NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, assuring the team of the Commission’s unwavering support as they prepare for the continental showdown in Douala, Cameroon, from February 10–16.
Team Nigeria will compete across five categories—Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles—with a 10-player squad split evenly between male and female athletes.
Leading the contingent is the country’s top-ranked player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, who is seeking a third consecutive men’s singles title.
Olopade expressed confidence in the squad, emphasizing the NSC’s commitment to sustaining the progress of Nigerian badminton.
“They are the defending champions, and my visit is to show our love, support, and belief in them. They are well taken care of, and now, it’s up to them to make the country proud,” the NSC DG stated.
Badminton Federation of Nigeria President, Francis Orbih, affirmed the team’s readiness and recounted the morale boost from Olopade’s surprise visit.
“I’m confident that they will perform very well. We have a lot of potential, and the Director General’s visit to encourage the players will further boost their courage and determination. We are grateful for that,” said Orbih, who is also a board member of the Badminton Confederation of Africa.
National team assistant coach Enejo Abah also expressed optimism about the team’s chances, commending the players’ dedication during preparations.
“The team has been working hard in camp, and I believe they are ready to take on the challenge in Cameroon. With the level of training and commitment I’ve seen, I expect a strong performance,” Abah assured.
Paris 2024 Team Nigeria captain and reigning African champion Opeyori remains focused on defending his title, while assuring his colleagues mental readiness to achieve podium success.
“Winning last year was a great moment for me, but now my focus is on defending my title. I am motivated and ready to give my best for Nigeria,” Opeyori said.
At the previous edition in Cairo, Nigeria clinched one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. They are now determined to surpass that achievement in Douala.
