The head coach of Team Nigeria’s table tennis squad, Nasiru Sule, has expressed optimism about winning medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Table Tennis Tournament, which is set to commence on Thursday, August 29.
The eight-member team includes six men and two women, competing in doubles, mixed doubles, and singles events.
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Nigeria has a strong history in Paralympic table tennis, having won two gold and three bronze medals since their first victory in Atlanta in 1996.
Sule, who himself won a bronze medal at Atlanta 1996, is upbeat about the team’s chances. In a statement released by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), he attributed their potential success to rigorous preparation, including training camps in Nigeria and Germany.
“This year’s preparation has been excellent, with extensive time devoted to tactical planning,” Sule said.
“We know the competition will be fierce, but we’re ready to face it because to be the best, you must beat the best.”
Isau Ogunkunle, the current African champion in Men’s Singles Class 4, aims to improve on his quarterfinal finish at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
“My experience in Tokyo was valuable, and I’m well-prepared for Paris,” Ogunkunle said.
“With the support of our technical team, I am confident about bringing home a medal.”
The women’s team comprises Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi (Class 5) and Faith Bazuaye (Class 10), while the men’s team includes Ogunkunle (Class 4), Kayode Alabi (Class 6), Abiola Adesope (Class 9), Bolawa Akingbemisilu (Class 5), Victor Farinloye (Class 8), and four-time Paralympian Olufemi Alabi (Class 10).
The table tennis events will be held at the South Paris Arena from August 29 to September 7. The schedule includes men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles events, with singles competitions starting on September 1. A total of 181 athletes will compete across the events.
By Dotun Omisakin
