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The National Sports Commission has commended Team Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the recently concluded ITTF World Para Future tournament in Amman, Jordan, where the nation displayed its prowess in para table tennis by finishing among the top three teams globally.
Over the three-day championship, which took place from April 13 to 15, Nigeria amassed a remarkable haul of five gold, seven silver, and two bronze medals.
Competing against powerhouses such as Germany, Iran, and host nation Jordan, Nigeria stood tall as one of only three African nations in attendance, alongside Egypt and South Africa.
NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko described the achievement as a ‘testament to what is possible when vision meets preparation and belief.’
“Our para-athletes have continued to inspire the entire nation. Their performance in Jordan shows that with the right support, Nigerian sports can soar on any global stage,” he said.
NSC Director General, Hon Bukola Olopade, praised the resilience and brilliance of the athletes, as well as the technical team and leadership of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria,” Olopade said.
“I must commend the dedication of the team, especially the leadership of PCN President Sunday Odebode, who has remained committed to excellence and inclusion in Nigerian sports.”
The medals came in fast for Nigeria, as the team battled for honours alongside host Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, Egypt, Cyprus, Kuwait, India, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Germany, and Iran.
Olufemi Alabi won the country’s first gold in the Men’s Class 10 singles, beating Iraq’s Shafeeq Hikmat. Faith Obazuaye clinched gold in the Women’s Class 9-10, defeating compatriot Isau Ogunkinle, while Bolawa Akingbemisilu earned gold in the Men’s Class 4-5, overcoming fellow Nigerian Kehinde Lawal.
In the team events, Abiola Adesope and Tajudeen Agunbiade captured gold in the Men’s Doubles Classes 14-18 with a 3-1 victory on the final day of the competition. Alabi and Obazuaye closed Nigeria’s campaign in style by taking gold in the Mixed Doubles Classes 17-18.
National coach Nosiru Sule praised the team’s performance, highlighting the quality of Nigeria’s players.
“Our athletes have shown exceptional talent and dedication throughout this tournament,” Sule said.
He called for more support to prepare for major competitions like the African and World Championships later this year, while also commending the leadership of the NSC for funding the trip.
Nigeria’s impressive medal haul at the tournament reaffirmed its status as a powerhouse in para table tennis, with Egypt’s sole gold medal won by Sayed Youssef in the Men’s Singles Classes 6-7 paling in comparison to Nigeria’s dominance.
The tournament not only showcased the exceptional talent of Nigeria’s para-athletes but also highlighted the country’s growing reputation in para-sports on the global stage.
English (US) ·