TheCable

There are strong indications that the Nigerian team may not make it to the 2017 ITTF African Junior Championship over a paucity of funds.

The ministry of youth and sports, TheCable learned, has approved funds for the trip but its late release may hinder the Nigerian contingent’s trip.

With less than five days to the tournament which begins April 9 in Tunis, the flight booking for the trip is yet to be finalised while all other logistics for the trip are yet to be concluded.

ITTF competition manager, Mounir Bessah, had earlier confirmed that Nigeria, defending champions, Egypt, Congo Brazzaville, Congo DRC, Cote d’Ivoire, Mauritius, Djibouti, South Africa and host, Tunisia would participate in the championship.

The championship will serve as continental qualification for World Junior Championship holding later in the year in Italy.

El-Salhy said that every team in Africa is also expected to compete for places in the Youth Olympic Games qualifiers which will take place after the AJC.

“Africa made the podium at the maiden Youth Olympic Games in Singapore 2010. Each African Association is entitled to register one boy and one girl for the qualifiers,” he said.

“The players will be drawn into groups in the first round with the top two players advancing to the second round.

“The finalists in the boys and girls event will automatically qualify for YOG.”