Paris 2024: Nigeria's Paralympic table tennis stars target podium finish

Paris 2024: Nigeria's Paralympic table tennis stars target podium finish

Hassan Abdulsalam 15:04 - 25.08.2024

Nigeria's Paralympic table tennis contingent consists of six men and two women who will compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.

The Nigerian Paralympic table tennis team is determined to win medals at the 2024 Paris Games.

Coach Nasiru Sule-led team consists of six men and two women who will compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.

Nigeria has a strong history in Paralympic table tennis, with two gold and three bronze medals since 1996. The team's extensive preparation in Nigeria and Germany has boosted their confidence for success.

It's time to get medals - African champion reveals

Isau Ogunkunle, the current African champion in Men's Singles Class 4, aims to improve on his quarterfinal finish at Tokyo 2020.

Isau Ogunkunle
Isau Ogunkunle

He said, "It was a good experience for me in Tokyo where I made it to the quarterfinal being my first outing, this time around, I am well prepared for Paris and I know it is not going to be easy just like it was in Tokyo.

"With the guidance of the technical crew that had exposed us to some of our possible opponents, I think we are battle-ready for the challenges in Paris. I am confident I will return home with something from Paris."

The women's squad includes Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi (Class 5) and Faith Bazuaye (Class 10). The men's team features Kayode Alabi (Class 6), Abiola Adesope (Class 9), Bolawa Akingbemisilu (Class 5), Victor Farinloye (Class 8), and four-time Paralympian Olufemi Alabi (Class 10).

The Para table tennis event will take place at the South Paris Arena from August 29th to September 7th. The singles event will feature 11 classes for men and 10 classes for women.

Meanwhile, doubles event will return to the Paralympic stage for the first time since 1976. However, there will be no doubles events for athletes in class 11.

This year's events will follow a knockout format from start to finish, unlike previous games that had a group stage followed by knockout rounds.

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