Nigeria’s Onaolapo Targets Top Prize At ITTF Africa Senior Championships

Italy-based Ojo Onaolapo has a target of top prize for himself in Cairo during next month International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Senior Championships.

As a cadet cum junior player, the 20 year-old Ondo State-born player competed with the likes of Egypt’s Omar Assar and Mohammed Shouman but he has always been on the losing side against the North Africans.

However Onaolapo, who recently moved to Italy to pursue his professional career said he hopes to conquer the Egyptians this time.

“I think if there is nation that I had played regularly as a cadet and junior player, it is Cairo and for me, I have always been unlucky to make the best of this several visits. But at the 2015 ITTF Africa Senior Championships, I am going there to ensure I return with medals for Nigeria. I am indeed looking forward to play very good in Egypt and also to win the team event for Nigeria and contest for the men’s singles title,” he said.

Onaolapo, who won virtually all the local titles at stake before jetting out to Italy this year believes the dominance of Egypt has come to an end, considering the quality of players Nigeria now parade led by Portugal-based Aruna Quadri.

“All the Nigerian players led by Quadri are now doing well in their various base and for us, this is a plus to the team. I believe with the form Nigeria players are now, we can take our place back from the
Egyptian come January 2015.

Nigerian players are very much ready for the tournament because this is the best time to show the North Africans that we are on top of our game in Africa,” he added.

With Egypt’s El-Sayed Lashin the men’s singles defending champion,Onaolapo is optimistic that Lashin’s reign would come to an end in Cairo.

“I know that Lashin is a fighter as a defending champion, but Iam personally determined to end his reign. I could recalled that he escaped been beaten by me during the Lagos ITTF World Tour in June. I know I will also have to contend with my compatriot but I am aiming for the singles title,” Onaolapo boasted.

In 2015, Onaolapo said he would be emulating Quadri by taking part in several ITTF Pro Tours in order to improve his world rating as well as be in good shape to represent Nigeria at major competitions.

However, the player is still targeting playing in the elite league in Germany.