25th March, 2012
It was mixed fortune for Team Nigeria at the ongoing 2012 World Team Table Tennis Championship holding in Dortmund, Germany, as the male team won their first game, while their female compatriots lost theirs.
P.M.Sports gathered that the Nigerian male team outstroked Norway in straight sets of 3-0. The female team fell 0-3 to Norway.
Nigerian star, Aruna Quadri, who is currently Portuguese League’s number one player, said: “I am happy that we won our first match because the first game in any competition is always difficult and it’s not easy for any team to be in this competition.
“The Norwegian team really played well and I am happy with the quality of players in our team too. I think the experience of Segun Toriola will help us based on how he played in the first match on Sunday.
“I believe as the championship progresses, we will improve with every game. I think our tough matches will be against India and Romania. These teams have quality players but I believe we will come out among the top three in the group.”
Another youngster, Ojo Onaolapo, who is making his debut at the championship and his first senior competition for Nigeria said: “I am happy to be part of the team, especially playing with a great player like Segun Toriola. For me, it’s a great privilege and I will utilise this chance to my advantage.
“Also, I appreciate the fact that my idol, Timo Boll of Germany, will be playing in this competition. I will be glad to meet him personally and think this alone will inspire me to do well. My personal target is to help Nigeria to qualify for the team event of the Olympic Games.”
P.M.Sports further gathered that over 600 players drawn from 120 countries are featuring in the 10-day championship. Nigeria, Egypt and Congo Brazzaville are Africa’s representatives in the tournament.
Nigeria’s male team are ranked 33, while the female team are rated 40 in the world.
By Taiwo Adelu