Badminton: Nigeria win silver at AASB tourney

Nigeria won silver in the men’s team at the ongoing 2024 All African Senior Badminton Championship in Cairo, Egypt.

Despite leading by 2-0, Algeria came from behind to beat 3-2 in the men’s final played at the Cairo International Stadium.

Victor Ikechukwu defeated Koceila Mammeri 2-0 (22-20, 21-17) to hand Nigeria the lead before Anuoluwapo Opeyori doubled it by beating Youcef Medel 2-0 (21-17, 21-12).

Algeria levelled up as the duo Mohamed Belarbi and Youcef Medel beat Joseph Emmanuel and Victor Ikechukwu 2-0 (24-22, 21-18).

In the final game, Adel Hamek and Koceila Mammeri outclassed Godwin Olofua and Opeyori in two straight sets (25-23, 21-15) in the men’s double

Meanwhile, Nigeria edged Algeria to win the bronze in the women’s team event at the All African Seniors.

Nigeria’s head coach, Suleiman Tajudeen praised the players for making it to the podium despite falling short.

He said, “Before leaving Nigeria, our target was to win both gold medals but it is unfortunate that we could not. I am proud of the players for not letting the country down by winning silver (men) and bronze (women).

“The next assignment is to make Nigeria proud by winning all the available gold medals at the forthcoming African Games in Ghana next month.”

The President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih also added, “Well done players, it was a tough battle coming from 2-0 down to clinch victory against the host country Egypt in the semi-finals. That was a very beautiful performance. For the girls, you fought a good fight; better luck next time.”

Algeria halved the deficit in the third set when Adel Hamek defeated Godwin Olofua 2-1 (21-18, 16-21, 21-16).