By James Agberebi:
Top Nigerian table tennis players, Segun Toriola and Aruna Quadri will spearhead Nigeria’s quest for the 2015 ITTF Africa Senior Cup holding in Yaounde, Cameroon, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
According to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, the tournament which serves as qualifiers for the ITTF Men and Women World Cups holding later in the year, will hold from Tuesday July 21 to 23.
Two players will represent each country in the men and women singles, with the winners in both categories expected to represent Africa at the ITTF World Cup.
Toriola expresses confidence that Nigeria has what it takes to clinch the title, rstating that both Egypt and Congo Brazzaville will be under pressure.
“I saw the Egyptian and Congolese teams in China and they are really preparing well. I was aware that the Congolese team has been in China since last year because they are the host of the All Africa Games and they want to perform well,” Toriola tells Completesportsnigeria.com.
“Also, I met the Egyptians who are also eager to know who will be representing Nigeria at the tournament. But with what I saw, I know the Congolese and the Egyptian teams will be under pressure to perform well. But as for Nigeria, we will not be playing under pressure as everybody is relaxed,” he says.
Toriola believes taking part in the competition would afford him the opportunity to know his present form ahead of the All Africa Games.
“I have short preparation for the event because I started practice this week and with my experience, I am sure I will still play very well. My focus is not on the title because anything can happen in table tennis, but I know my experience as former champion will be helpful in Cameroon,” he assures .
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