Anuoluwa Opeyori wins Mutual Benefit Assurance National Badminton Championship

By Ifeanyi Eduzor
African Badminton champion and Nigeria’s number 1 seed, Anuoluwa Opeyori maintained his dominance of the racket game when he won the men’s singles title at the just concluded 4th edition Mutual Benefit Assurance National Badminton Championship.
The tournament which served off in Wednesday, November, 29, 2023 at the Gymnasium Hall of the National Institute For Sports (NIS), Lagos saw Anuoluwa who is chasing Olympic qualification combine experience, speed and good serves to subdue a determined number 4 seed, Victor Ikechukwu by 2-1 of 22/20, 19/21 and 21/17 to be crowned champion of the event.
His dominance of the courts continued in the doubles event when he paired with Christopher Egbonyi to beat the duo of Victor Ikechukwu and Emmanuel Joseph by 2-1 of 13/21, 21/19 and 21/18 to also win the title.
He told newstap.com.ng shortly after the energy soaking singles finals that he was happy to avoid an upset and praised his opponent for giving him a good fight.
” I must have to say that I’m very excited winning the competition because the hot weather affected my game but the most important thing was that I didn’t disappoint my fans.
“My opponent was really good and gave me a good fight but am happy that I remained focused and at the end of the day, I came out victorious.
“It’s equally important I commend Badminton Federation of Nigeria and Mutual Benefit Assurance PLC for sponsoring the championship and I want to appeal to other corporate organisations to emulate them because we need more of such tournaments to move the game forward”, he stated.
Anu who is preparing for Olympic qualifiers was optimistic that he will give a good account of himself at the qualifiers assuring that he’ll not disappoint.
Meanwhile, in the women singles finals, Kano State Ruth Ebere defeated other women to emerge champion.
In his remarks at the finals, Group Chairman of Mutual Benefit Assurance PLC, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi who was represented by Joseph Oladoku, an Executive Director in the company expressed happiness at the successes recorded by the championship since it’s inaugural edition in 2017, noting that the events is not just competitions but are platforms where dreams take flight and a place for talented youths to showcase their skills on a grand stage.
He stated that it brings immense joy to acknowledge that some of the competition’s champions have soared to greater heights, proudly representing Nigeria as Olympians and achieving triumph as intercontinental champions.
” The odysseys of our players from the courts to the global arena fills us with profound pride, underscoring the transformative impact of the Mutual Benefits National Badminton Championship on the careers of gifted young Nigerians”, he said.
The sponsors CEO also expressed his appreciation to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for the incredible job they’re doing in moving the game forward, urging them not to relent in their efforts.
Also speaking, President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, stated that this year’s tournament is very important because it marks the return of the tournament after three years of being in the cooler as a result of COVID- 19 Pandemic.
He described Mutual Benefit Assurance PLC as a steadfast pillar of support for the game of badminton in the country ; saying that their commitment to the sport aligns with his vision of promoting badminton as a unifying force, fostering a culture of healthy competition and inspiring future generation of athletes.
At the end of the event trophies and various cash prizes were given to winners.
Highlight of the finals was the announcement of N5 million personal accident insurance cover for Anuoluwa Opeyori by Mutual Benefit Assurance PLC.