Team Nigeria Captain, Anuoluwapo Opeyori is in action again today needing a win to stay in contention in the Badminton Men’s Singles at the Olympics.
It’s a similar situation with the Super Falcons who play Japan in a must win final Group C game in Nantes.
Opeyori was beaten by Tobias Kunz of Sweden in 2 straight sets 22-20, 21-14. It was a close first set and the current African Champion even had 3 set points at 20-17 but was pegged back by Kunz, who then strolled through the second set for the win.
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Speaking to Opeyori at the Mix Zone after the match, he admitted to me that playing China’s Li Shifeng, the highest ranked player in the 3 man group later today, was a daunting prospect. However, he said he would be relaxed, try and play without pressure and plan for the future if he is eliminated.
The Super Falcons face Japan in a make or mar Group C encounter in Nantes at 4pm Nigerian time knowing only a victory will suffice if they are to stand a chance of progressing into the knock out stage.
It would have been so much different if the team had taken the numerous chances created in the two, 1 nil losses to Brazil and Spain. The Nigerians are the only team yet to find the net of all the countries taking part in the tournament. That stat speaks for itself.
There is a brewing controversy in Team Nigeria’s Athletics Camp.
Sprinter, Favour Ofili, put out a tweet protesting her withdrawal from the 100 metres event by the AFN without her knowledge.
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Informed sources say the Federation may have done that because of the scheduling of the events which dictates that for Ofili to run the 100, 200 and 4x100m, she would be in action everyday all through the Athletics competition and that workload might prove excessive.
However, the Athlete appears ignorant of the decision.
The AFN is yet to respond.
By Deji Omotoyinbo, in Paris
Source: www.completesports.com
