The Nigerian table tennis team is preparing for an exciting challenge at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France.
The tournament schedule reveals that Nigeria will compete against strong teams from Britain and China in the eagerly awaited table tennis events.
The 2024 Paralympic Games will take place from August 28 to September 8, with the Para table tennis matches held at South Paris Arena 4.
Team Nigeria will kick off their campaign on Thursday in the table tennis category.
Kayode Alabi and Faith Obazuaye will compete in the mixed doubles, where they will face Great Britain’s pair, Joshua Stacey and Bly Twomey. Meanwhile, Alabi and Victor Farinloye will go up against the Chinese duo of Huang Jiaxin and Peng Weinan.
Alabi and Obazuaye will begin their mixed doubles journey in the round of 32, while Alabi and Farinloye will start in the round of 16 for the men’s doubles.
Alabi, the African Champion in Class 6, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, stating, “We are ready to face any opponent because we are well-prepared for the challenge in Paris. Although we are up against strong competitors, we are determined to advance to the next stage.”
Team coach Nasiru Sule shared a similar optimism but acknowledged the tough competition ahead: “It will be a challenging contest because our opponents are formidable, but we are committed to giving our best effort.”
The singles draw for the table tennis event is scheduled for August 30. The Nigerian squad, consisting of six men and two women, will compete in doubles, mixed doubles, and singles events.
Nigeria has a notable history in Paralympic table tennis, having won two gold and three bronze medals since their debut in Atlanta in 1996.