BY Remi Sulola
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has named a strong team for the ITTF World Championships holding in Dusseldorf, Germany, from May 29 to June 5.
Africa’s highest ranked player, Aruna Quadri, and seven-time Olympian Segun Toriola will lead the men’s team while African champion, Olufunke Oshonaike, will head the women’s team.
Italy-based Olajide Omotayo will be making his debut at the World Championship.
Omotayo who rose through the ranks from cadet to senior is excited about his inclusion in the team, describing it as a rare opportunity.
After his last outing for Nigeria at the 2016 World Team Championships in Malaysia, Ojo Onaolapo made a return to the team.
The Ondo-born star moved to Portugal this season and has been outstanding for his Portuguese team, ADC Ponta Do Pargo, in the Portuguese league.
For the women’s team, Oshonaike who won the African title last year in Agadir, Morocco will be joined in Germany by her compatriots – Edem Offiong and Cecilia Akpan.
In 2016, Offiong and Akpan missed Malaysia World Championships and Morocco African Championships following the inability of NTTF to secure funds for the trip.
The team will be relying on the financial support of the ministry of youth and sports in its quest to be part of the championship as NTTF has made a formal request for the trip.
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