An opportunity for Nigeria’s youngsters to rub shoulders with the world’s best became a reality on Wednesday in Nairobi, Kenya, when the duo of Ibrahim Umar (male) and Rophia Jimoh secured their places at the 2014 ITTF World Hopes Week, Challenge holding in Otocec, Slovenia.
The teenagers who competed against their counterparts in the continent emerged champions in the boys and girls singles to pick their slots in the eight-man team expected to hoist Africa’s flag at the global tournament.
Aside the tournament, the participants went through an intensive four-day training under the supervision of a top ITTF tactician who taught the kids the basics of the game.
The accompanied coach of each team was also engaged in training session.
The Nigeria four-man team was made up of Michael Obayanmi, Ibrahim Umar (male) and Rophia Jimoh and Habibat Olawale (female) and Coach Friday Abah accompanied them.
The Kenya event was organized by ATTF and Kenya Table Tennis Association (KTTA) at it was held at the Safaricom Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi in Kenya.
Each team was represented by a maximum of two boys and two girls,while the host – Kenya presented a maximum of four boys and four girls.
According to Africa Development Officer, Ahmed Dawlatly, the top four players in the singles tournament for boys and girls automatically secured scholarships to the world event in Slovenia.
For the President, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi, this has shown that the future is bright for the game.
“We are happy that the players have made up proud and we are believing that more of them will come through. These two players will not only compete, they will be trained by some of the best coaches in the world at the Slovenia event and for us, this is what we want to be doing and encouraging young players,” Oshodi said.
The Nigeria Team was also accompanied by players’ representative in the NTTF board, Tajudeen Agunbiade while the trip was facilitated through the singular support of Mr. Bankole Animashaun, a friend of table tennis.
