Team Nigeria has shifted its focus to the singles events after an early exit in the mixed and doubles categories at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Tennis event.
With the singles draws finalized on Friday, August 31, the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) expressed confidence that the team can still make a significant impact in Paris.
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The eight-man squad has been paired with their opponents for the Round of 16 matches, which are set to begin on Sunday, September 1.
In the Men’s Class 4, Isau Ogunkunle will face world No. 3 Ali Ozturk of Turkey. Debutant Bolawa Akingbemisilu will compete against Brazil’s Lucas Arabian in Class 5, while Kayode Alabi will take on Romania’s Bobi Simon in Class 6.
In Class 9, Abiola Adesope is set to challenge France’s Lucas Didier, and Olufemi Alabi faces a tough match against China’s Hao Lian in Class 10.
Unlike his teammates who start from the Round of 16, Victor Farinloye will begin his campaign in the Round of 32 against Croatia’s Borna Zohil in Class 8.
In the Women’s Singles, Commonwealth Games medalists Christian Alabi and Faith Obazuaye will face opponents from Chile and Chinese Taipei, respectively. Alabi, a debutant, will confront Chile’s Tamara Leonelli, while Obazuaye will go up against Chinese Taipei’s Shiau-wen Tian.
Despite the challenges ahead, African champion Ogunkunle remains confident in his teammates.
“We know the task ahead and are determined to make ourselves and our country proud in Paris. It won’t be easy, but we are ready to succeed,” Ogunkunle stated.
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