Idris Adesina
Nigeria on Monday began their campaign at the 2018 All Africa Men and Women’s Badminton Championships in Algeria with victories.
In the men’s category, Africa’s number three ranked player Clement Krobapor came from a set down to beat Bilal Etharab of Morocco 12-21, 21-16, 21-13 while Anuoluwapo Opeyori beat Ahmed Amine in straight sets 21-1, 21-6 and Godwin Olufua completed the victory after beating Yassine El Meiniss 21-12, 21-13.
In the women’s category, Dorcas Adesokan beat Linda Mazri 21-12, 21-16 before Halla Bouksani drew level for Algeria when she beat Zainab Momoh 18-21, 21-12, 21-10. Deborah Ukeh put Nigeria ahead with a 21-12, 21-8 victory over Malak Ouchefoun.
In the doubles, Adesokan and Ukeh beat the duo of Mazri and Dounia Naama 21-15, 21-7 while Momoh and Peace Orji completed the victory by beating Bouksani and Ouchefoun 22-20, 21-13.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria Francis Orbih, who is with the team in Algeria, told our correspondent that the team would compete in the Thomas Uber Cup qualifiers after the African Championships.
“We prepared for the competition well. They were in camp for a long time and this is the product of such a long time of camping,” he said.
“We hope that they continue with this performance and win the competition before we go for the Thomas Uber Cup qualifiers also holding in Algeria immediately after this championships.”
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
