Paris 2024: Team Nigeria captain, Opeyori fired up for Olympic battle

Team Nigeria at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, is excited as he prepares to kick off his campaign at the games.

The 27-year-old will face Switzerland’s Tobias Kuenzi in his opening match on Tuesday, July 30th.

Opeyori took to social media to express his eagerness, stating, "First matchday at the 2024 Paris Olympics tomorrow (Tuesday) by 6:30 pm CAT. I’m very sure you guys can tell how excited I am. I will give it nothing but my absolute best."

In a video accompanying the post, Opeyori added, “I am excited for my first game in the Olympics Paris 2024. It is an honour to represent Nigeria. I have put my heart and soul into training every day and night, and I am happy to represent.”

Opeyori has put his name in Nigerian sporting history by qualifying for two consecutive Olympic Games. He is the first Nigerian badminton player to achieve this feat.

The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has supported Opeyori's journey, including a three-week training camp in Italy to prepare for the Olympics.

BFN President Francis Orbih expressed his pride in Opeyori's accomplishment, stating, “History was made in badminton after Anuoluwapo Opeyori secured a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

"I am full of joy because Anu is the first Nigerian badminton player to feature in the men’s singles at the Olympic Games and also the first Nigerian to attend two Olympics back-to-back.”

Opeyori’s journey at the Paris Olympics is far from over. After facing Switzerland's Kuenzi, he will take on China's Li Shi Feng on Wednesday.

While the competition is stiff, Opeyori remains determined to make Nigeria proud.