The Nigerian team to the 2018 Zambia International Badminton Championship emerged champions after bagging two gold and two silver medals at the tournament, which held in Lusaka from November 29 to December 2.
Nigeria’s gold medals were won in the Women’s Singles and the Mixed Doubles events. Dorcas Ajoke Adesokan took gold in the Women’s Singles defeating local favorite Ogar Siamupangila in straight sets 21-17 21-15. Adesokan then partnered AnuoluwapoJuwon Opeyori in the Mixed Doubles to dispatch the Jordanian pair of Bahaedeen Ahmed and Domou Amro in straight sets 21-18 23-21.
Opeyori took silver in the Men’s Singles after he lost in straight sets 21-10 23-21 to Ade Resky Diwicahyo of Azerbaijan. Diwicahyo then combined with countryman Azmy Qowimuramadhon to defeat Godwin Olofua and AnuoluwapoJuwon Opeyori of Nigeria 21-19, 16-21, 21-17 to hand the country its second silver medal at the championship.
Azerbaijan finished second overall with 2 gold medals while host, Zambia was third with 1 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals.
Reacting to the performance of the team, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Mr. Francis Orbih said that the players’ performance has served to put Nigeria on a pedestal as a leader in sports.
