African badminton champ Opeyori targets Olympic breakthrough

African badminton champion Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori is gearing up to make history at the Paris 2024 Olympics as he aims to end the continent's badminton jinx on the Olympic stage. Born in a Lagos informal settlement, the 27-year-old Nigerian has already secured four continental singles titles, a remarkable achievement given the lack of badminton facilities in his home country. Opeyori's determination and success have set him apart as he eyes becoming the first African to progress in the Olympic men's singles competition. He remains undaunted by the challenges ahead, setting his sights on reaching at least the quarter-finals in Paris. The history of African representation in Olympic badminton is not a bright one, with no African man ever advancing to the next round since the sport's inclusion in the Games in 1992. South Africa's Jacob Maliekal came close in 2016 by winning a group stage game but fell short of moving forward. On the women's side, Egypt's Hadia Hosny made a breakthrough in 2008 by reaching the second round after defeating her Mexican opponent, marking the only instance an African has achieved this in Olympic badminton singles history. Despite the odds stacked against him, Opeyori remains confident and unfazed, ready to take on the challenge head-on. With his recent successes on the African badminton scene and his self-assured attitude, he is poised to rewrite the narrative for African representation in the sport on the global stage. As Opeyori prepares to showcase his skills and determination at the Paris 2024 Olympics, all eyes will be on him as he aims to make history and pave the way for future generations of African badminton players. His story is one of resilience, talent, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, embodying the spirit of the Olympic Games.