Olympics: Opeyori To Battle World Number Six In Paris
Nigeria’s Badminton player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori will slug it out with world number six ranked Li Shi Feng in the men’s singles at the Paris 2024 Olympic.
Opeyori has been paired alongside China’s Li Shi Feng and Switzerland’s Tobias Kuenzi in Group N in the men’s singles draws.
He will be making his second appearance in the games in Paris, and he will be hoping for an improved performance.
He is currently ranked 102 in the badminton world rankings after winning his second African games title in Ghana in March.
Opeyori’s opponent, Li Shi Feng, is a well decorated and experienced player. He won the gold medal at the Thomas Cup in Chengdu.
He also won the silver medal at the 2024 Asian Championship, and he broke into the limelight after winning the gold medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. He is ranked number six in the world rankings.
The second opponent, Tobias Kuenzi of Switzerland, is currently ranked 112 in the world rankings.
Opeyori is one of the 173 badminton players who have secured a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
He is currently finalising his preparations for the games in Germany ahead of the games, he is ready to give his best despite the prevailing circumstances.
Opeyori said: “I am dedicated to playing badminton because hard work gives results as well as success. If you work hard, opportunities will present themselves. I believe in myself and keep on working despite the hindrances and lack of motivation. I believe in my dream that I am going to grow and make it to the top.”
Opeyori has enjoyed a successful time in Africa since 2019, winning four African Championship titles and two African Games titles.
He is hoping to be the first African to ever win a Badminton match at the Olympics.
The 27-year-old is the first Nigerian Badminton player to qualify for two consecutive Olympic games.