By Leeman Ali-haidar
Nigerian table tennis players have made a strong impression at the ITTF World Para Future Tournament in Amman, Jordan.
Olufemi Alabi, a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic bronze medalist, secured Nigeria’s first gold medal in the Men’s Class 10 event, while Paris 2024 bronze medalist Isau Ogunkunle is leading Nigeria’s medal push, defeating Ahmad Sabra and Tankiso Hata 3-0 to reach the Men’s Class 4-5 semifinals.
Other notable performances include Bolawa Akingbemisilu, who impressed in Group 3, beating Abhishek Singh, Ahmad Alotaibi, and Issa Hamad 3-0 to reach the knockout stage.
Abiola Adesope and Tajudeen Agunbiade also advanced, remaining unbeaten in the Men’s Class 9 group matches. In the women’s events, Kate Oputa progressed to the knockout stage in Women’s Class 4-5, while Faith Obazuaye and Kehinde Lawal topped their groups in Women’s Class 9-10.
The Nigerian contingent, comprising five men and three women, is guided by coaches Nosiru Sule and Gbenga Olanipekun. The knockout matches are scheduled for Monday, April 14, with the tournament concluding on Tuesday, April 15.
The team is sponsored by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and aims to gain ranking points for the upcoming African Championships.
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