Paralympic Games: Team Nigeria table tennis players get opponents in Round of 16

There is optimism in the table tennis camp of ‘Team Nigeria’ following the draws for the singles event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games taking place in France.

The eight-man squad for the singles event has been paired with their opponents for the Round of 16.

The singles matches are set to begin on Sunday, September 1, the players are optimistic despite their earlier exits in the mixed and doubles events.

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 will challenge France’s Lucas Didier, and Olufemi Alabi will face a tough match against China’s Hao Lian in Class 10.

Victor Farinloye, unlike his teammates who start from the Round of 16, will begin his campaign in the Round of 32 against Croatia’s Borna Zohil in Class 8.

For the Women’s Singles, Commonwealth Games medallists 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 compete against Chinese Taipei’s Shiau-wen Tian.

Despite the challenges, African champion Ogunkunle expressed confidence in his teammates, stating, “We are aware of 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 do well and succeed here,” Ogunkunle opined.