As the table tennis event of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games begins on Thursday, August 29, Nigeria’s eight-man squad, led by head coach Nasiru Sule, is determined to add to the nation’s proud medal history.
The team, consisting of six men and two women, will compete across doubles, mixed doubles, and singles events.
Nigeria’s Paralympic table tennis record includes two gold and three bronze medals, dating back to their first triumph in Atlanta 1996, where coach Sule himself secured a bronze. The team’s preparation for Paris included extensive training camps in Nigeria and Germany.
“We’ve had one of our best preparations, giving us the time to work on our tactics. The competition will be tough, but we’re ready to face it and prove ourselves,” said Sule.
Isau Ogunkunle, Africa’s current Men’s Singles Class 4 champion, is confident after his quarterfinal finish at Tokyo 2020. “Tokyo was a great experience, and I’m better prepared for Paris. It won’t be easy, but with the guidance of our technical team, I’m confident of returning home with a medal,” Ogunkunle stated.
The women’s squad includes Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi (Class 5) and Faith Bazuaye (Class 10), while the men’s lineup features Ogunkunle, Kayode Alabi (Class 6), Abiola Adesope (Class 9), Bolawa Akingbemisilu (Class 5), Victor Farinloye (Class 8), and veteran Olufemi Alabi (Class 10).
The Para table tennis events run from August 29 to September 7 at the South Paris Arena, with a knockout format from the outset.
