The easy aspects are done and Nigeria badminton players are now getting tougher opponents after the initial stroll in the park.

The duo of Victor Ilechukwu and Joseph Emmanuel in the Men’s Double have become the first Nigeria players to be eliminated.

They lost to Algeria’s Koceila Mameri and Youcel Medel in the Round of 16.

It turned a double jeopardy for Joseph Emmanuel who also lost out in the Men’s Singles Round of 16. It was a two straight set loss to Egypt’s Adham Abdelhalim in what turned to be the first time Nigeria had lost a match.

However, it was not all-doom for the Nigerian badminton team. The top dogs are still raging.

Godwin Olofua had a two-straight set win over Algeria’s Mohamed Ouchefoun. Africa’s number one, Anuolowapo Opeyori beat hosts, Ghana’s Kelvin Alphous by another two straight sets to advance to the quarter-finals.

Victor Ilechukwu who had earlier lost in the Men’s Doubles with  Joseph Emmanuel atoned with a win in his Round of 16 Men’s Singles match. He won his duel against Zambia’s Chongo Ezra.

In the Women’s Singles, Uche Deborah Uchechukwu according to official report on the Games’ website,  beat Mauritius Foo Kune, 2-1. But contrary report has emerged that the Nigerian lady lost. The result sheet reads : Uchechukwu Deborah (NIG) 1 – 2 Foo Kune K /21 , /21. 22/24 (MRI). Dorcas Adesokan also eliminated Egypt’s Nour Latif 2-0.

The result sheets of Nigerian players reads:

9th March, 2024
Badminton Results

Men’s Singles :
Round of 16

1. Victor Ikechukwu 21/20, 21/15 (NIG) 2 – 0 Chongo Exzra (ZAM )

2. Joseph Emmanuel Emmy (NGR) 0 – 2 Adham Hatem Elgamal [EGY]

3. Opeyori Anuoluwapo 23/21, 21/13 (NIG) 2 – 0 Kelvin Evans Alponsus (GHA)

4. Godwin Olofua 21/15, 12/6 retired (NIG) 2 : 0 Mohamme A. Ouchefoun (ALG)

Women’s Singles Round of 16

1. Uchechukwu Deborah (NIG) 1 – 2 Foo Kune K /21 , /21. 22/24 (MRI)

2. Sofiat A. OBANISHOLA 21/16, 21/16 (NIG) 2 – 0 Doha Heny (EGY)

3. Dorcas Ajoke Adesokan 21/10, 18/21, 21/19 (NIG) 2 : 1 Nour Ahmed Youssri (EGY)

*Mixed Doubles
Round of 16

1. Zainab Alabi/Aliyu Shuhu 21/16. 21/17 (NIG) 2 : 0 Essay Kareem/Nour Ahmed (EGY)

2. Nusa Momoh/ Yakubu Ramatu 21/18, 23/21 (NIG) 2 : 0 Augustus Owinyi/Gladys Mbabazi (GHA)

MEN’S DOUBLES
Round of 16

1. Godwin Olofua/Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori 21/, 21/18
(NGR). 2: 0. Mohamed Abderrahime Belarbi/
Adel Hamek
(ALG)

2. Joseph Emmanuel Emmy/Victor Ikechukwu 18/21, 21/17, 21/11 (NGR) 2 – 1 Koceila Mammeri /Youcef Sabri Medel(ALG)

Women’s Doubles
Round of 16

1. Dorcas Ajoke Adesokan/Sofiat Arinola Obanishola 21/17, 21/12 (NGR). 2 : 0 Rahma Mohamed Saad Eladawy/Hana Tarek Zaher (EGY)

2. Grace Gabriel/Ramatu Yakubu 21/9, 21/2 (NGR). 2 : 0 Rachidatou Bilogo/Kadidjata Diallo (BUR)

Quarter Finals

Mixed Doubles

1. Nusa Momoh/Ramatu (NIG) 0 : 2 SCHOLTZ J. /Kakora C. 21/16, 21/17(RSA)

2. ZAINAB ALABI/ ALIYU SHEHU (NIG) 0 : 2 Mammeei k/Mammeei T 21/12, 21/12 (ALG)

Men’s Singles

Opeyori Anuoluwapo 19/21, 21/16, 21/18 (NIG) 2 : 1 Hamek A (EGY)

Victor Ikechukwu 21/17, 16/21, 21/15(NIG) 2 : 1 Kakora C (RSA)

Godwin Olofua 11/21, 21/8, 21/15 (NIG) 2: 1 PAUL GJ (MRI)/