Team Nigeria’s spirited performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics took center stage in the Round of 32 Mixed Doubles Table Tennis event.
Kayode Alabi and Faith Obazuaye faced a challenging encounter against Great Britain’s Bly Twomey and Joshua Stacey, ultimately losing 1-3 in a hard-fought match that displayed their resilience and determination.
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The match, which took place today, saw Alabi and Obazuaye put up a valiant effort against their British counterparts. The first set was dominated by Twomey and Stacey, who took an early lead with a score of 11-6.
However, Team Nigeria showed their mettle in the second set, bouncing back with a strong 11-7 victory, leveling the match and giving Nigerian fans hope for an upset.
“Faith and I went into this match with the belief that we could compete with the best. Winning the second set was a huge morale boost, and it showed that we have what it takes to perform on this stage,” said Kayode Alabi after the match.
Unfortunately, the momentum could not be sustained as the British pair regained control in the third and fourth sets, winning 11-6 and 11-6 respectively. Despite the loss, Alabi and Obazuaye’s teamwork and fighting spirit were evident throughout the match.
“We gave it our all, and while the result didn’t go our way, we are proud of our performance. Competing at this level is never easy, but representing Nigeria is always an honor,” Faith Obazuaye added.
The defeat means Team Nigeria’s journey in the Mixed Doubles ends at the Round of 32, but the experience gained in Paris will undoubtedly fuel their future endeavors in the sport. Alabi and Obazuaye’s efforts are a testament to the strength and determination of Nigerian athletes on the global stage, as they continue to inspire a new generation of Paralympic hopefuls.
Despite the setback, Team Nigeria remains determined to make their mark in other events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
