TheCable

Africa’s highest ranked player Aruna Quadri says Egyptian players will pose the biggest challenge to him at the 2017 ITTF Africa Cup in Agadir, Morocco.

Quadri says he will have to work hard to overcome Egypt’s representatives at the ITTF Africa Cup.

“I think all the Egyptian players are threats to my ambition in Morocco and I am going to look forward to match after match,” he said.

“The greatest threat to my ambition in Morocco is not only Omar Assar because there is always quarterfinal, semifinal and final.

“All these players are very important to me and giving all the attention to Omar Assar alone will not allow me to focus on other players. I must remain focus and consider other participants as well.

‘This is more important to me as I am getting ready for all the participants in the competition. ITTF Africa Cup is another challenge that I am looking forward to and I am preparing very well for it.

“I know it is not going to be easy and I know it is very possible to win again in Morocco having won my first continental title in 2009 in same Morocco.

“Since I have finished with my club in the French league, I have enough time to prepare well in training. I am training now more than before and I believe it is going to be a very fantastic tournament.

“I am eagerly looking forward to giving my best and represent Nigeria very well.”

Italy-based Olajide Omotayo has replaced Segun Toriola as the second Nigerian campaigning alongside Quadri in the men’s singles event.

Olufunke Oshonaike and Edem Offiong will represent Nigeria in the women’s singles event of the competition.