Olympics
"It Is Heartbreaking and Unfair" – Africa’s Top Badminton Player Reacts to Badminton Being Dropped from 2026 Games
Anuoluwapo Opeyori, Africa’s number one badminton player, expresses deep disappointment over badminton's exclusion from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, calling the decision "unfair and unacceptable."
Opeyori Anuoluwapo (X account)
Anuoluwapo Opeyori, Africa’s number one badminton player, has expressed deep disappointment following the exclusion of badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
He described the decision as "unfair and unacceptable."
Exclusion From the 2026 Commonwealth Games
On Tuesday, the organizers of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Victoria, Australia, announced a significantly reduced sports program.
The revised lineup excludes several popular sports, including hockey, shooting, cricket, badminton, and wrestling. "It was a shocking decision; I didn’t see it coming," Opeyori told Sportsboom.com.
I’ve been training for this event with the hopes of competing and bringing glory to my country. This is disappointing and heartbreaking for me. I still can’t fully comprehend the decision. It is unfair and unacceptable.
Anuoluwapo Opeyori
Impact on the Badminton Community
Opeyori, 27, expressed particular disappointment due to badminton’s historical ties to Britain, where the sport originated.
"It is a popular sport. We have several players with huge followers across social media platforms."
"Knowing that badminton originated from Britain makes the decision even more disappointing. This would have been an opportunity for the sport to return to its roots and for fans to enjoy it. It's hard to accept."
Opeyori’s Career Highlights
Opeyori is a trailblazer in Nigerian badminton, being the first player from the country to qualify for back-to-back Olympic Games.
He captained Team Nigeria at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games. A five-time African champion, Opeyori has won more continental singles titles than any other African male badminton player.
Despite these achievements, he has yet to compete in the Commonwealth Games.
"One of my goals has always been to play at the Commonwealth Games before I retire. I missed the last edition in Birmingham for personal reasons, and now my dream of participating in the Commonwealth Games is hanging in the balance."
Impact on Nigeria's Medal Prospects
In addition to badminton, other sports such as wrestling and table tennis were also excluded from the 2026 Games. Opeyori expressed concern that the absence of these sports could negatively affect Nigeria's chances of winning medals.
"These are sports where Nigeria traditionally excels. We have world-class wrestlers who are medal hopefuls, and our table tennis team is also very strong. As Africa’s number one in badminton, I believe I have a good chance of winning a medal too."
Financial Implications for Athletes
Opeyori also highlighted the financial challenges that Nigerian athletes face, noting that many depend on competitions like the Commonwealth Games for financial support.
"The decision will affect not only our medal chances but also the athletes themselves. For many of us, competitions like these are the only opportunities to receive financial support from the government. We don’t usually receive backing for other championships; the government only steps in when you’re representing the country."
Opeyori concluded by expressing his hope that the decision might still be reconsidered, given the significance of these sports for athletes and fans alike.
Seyi Alao is a Nigerian sports reporter, writer, and producer, known for delivering engaging sports content in both English and Pidgin. At Brila FM, I transitioned seamlessly into the role of Content Creator, demonstrating a deep understanding of media dynamics and effectively crafting captivating and informative narratives.