The Nigerian Para Table Tennis team has embarked on a promising start at the ITTF World Para Future tournament in Amman, Jordan, a crucial event for accumulating ranking points in anticipation of the upcoming African Championships. Comprising eight athletes – five men and three women – the team, sponsored by the National Sports Commission, arrived in Jordan eager to demonstrate their prowess and build momentum following their participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This tournament marks their first major international competition of the year and provides a valuable platform for them to assess their progress and refine their strategies against a diverse field of international competitors.
Leading the charge for Nigeria is Paris 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medallist, Isau Ogunkunle, who has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the men’s Class 4-5 category. He commenced his campaign with a series of dominant performances, sweeping aside both Jordan’s Ahmad Sabra and South Africa’s Tankiso Hata in straight sets (3-0). This resounding display of skill and control secured him a direct entry into the semifinal round, underscoring his status as a serious contender for the gold medal. Ogunkunle’s success not only boosts his individual ranking but also serves as an inspiration to his teammates and underscores Nigeria’s growing strength in Para table tennis.
Further adding to Nigeria’s impressive showing, Bolawa Akingbemisilu exhibited exceptional form in the men’s Class 4-5 Group 3. He maintained a perfect record throughout the group stage, dispatching Abhishek Singh of India, Ahmad Alotaibi of Kuwait, and Issa Hamad of Jordan, all with convincing 3-0 victories. Akingbemisilu’s comprehensive triumphs reflect his dedication and training, placing him in a strong position to progress deep into the knockout stages. His performance, alongside Ogunkunle’s, highlights the depth of talent within the Nigerian squad and their potential to achieve significant success at the tournament.
The Nigerian men continued to assert their dominance across various classifications. In the men’s Class 9 category, both Abiola Adesope and Tajudeen Agunbiade maintained unbeaten streaks in their respective group matches, comfortably securing their places in the knockout phase. Their consistent performances underscore the team’s collective strength and the high level of preparation they have undertaken. Meanwhile, Olufemi Alabi, a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games bronze medallist, achieved a momentous victory by claiming the gold medal in the men’s Class 10 category. Alabi navigated a challenging group, overcoming opponents from Iraq, India, and Indonesia to emerge as the undisputed champion, marking a significant achievement for both himself and the Nigerian team.
On the women’s side, Kate Oputa demonstrated resilience and determination in the women’s Class 4-5. Despite suffering a narrow defeat in her opening group match against Jordan’s Khetam Abuawad (2-3), she rebounded strongly with a commanding 3-1 victory over India’s Ushabahen Rathod. This crucial win secured her a spot in the knockout round, showcasing her ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain focus under pressure. Oputa’s experience as a former Commonwealth Games medallist undoubtedly contributed to her composed performance, further strengthening Nigeria’s representation in the tournament’s later stages.
The Nigerian women also saw impressive performances from Faith Obazuaye and Kehinde Lawal, both of whom topped their respective groups in the women’s Class 9-10 category. Their commanding displays secured their progression to the knockout round, further solidifying Nigeria’s strong presence across multiple classifications. The combined success of the men’s and women’s teams paints a picture of a program on the rise, demonstrating the effectiveness of their training and the dedication of the athletes. Under the guidance of coaches Nosiru Sule and Gbenga Olanipekun, the Nigerian team is poised to continue making a significant impact on the international Para table tennis scene.
The Nigerian Para Table Tennis team’s impressive start at the ITTF World Para Future tournament in Amman is a testament to their talent, dedication, and the strategic vision of their coaching staff. The athletes’ strong performances across multiple classifications, culminating in Olufemi Alabi’s gold medal win, have not only boosted their individual rankings but have also elevated Nigeria’s standing on the global Para table tennis stage. Their success in Amman serves as a springboard for future competitions, particularly the upcoming African Championships, and provides a platform for continued growth and development within the Nigerian Para table tennis program. The team’s journey in Jordan is not just about individual achievements; it’s a story of collective effort, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of competition. With the knockout stages on the horizon, the Nigerian team is well-positioned to add more accolades to their already impressive tally, further solidifying their place among the world’s best.
