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After their early exits in the mixed doubles event at the 2024 Paralympic Games, there is optimism in the table tennis camp of Team Nigeria again after the draws for the singles event were conducted on Friday.
In the Men’s Class 4, Isau Ogunkunle will face world No. 3 Ali Ozturk of Turkey. Debutant Bolawa Akingbemisilu will compete against Brazil’s Lucas Arabian in Class 5, while Kayode Alabi will take on Romania’s Bobi Simon in Class 6.
In Class 9, Abiola Adesope will challenge France’s Lucas Didier, and Olufemi Alabi will face a tough match against China’s Hao Lian in Class 10.
Victor Farinloye, unlike his teammates who start from the round of 16, will begin his campaign in the round of 32 against Croatia’s Borna Zohil in Class 8.
For the women’s singles, Commonwealth Games medallists Christian Alabi and Faith Obazuaye will face opponents from Chile and Chinese Taipei, respectively. Alabi, a debutant, will confront Chile’s Tamara Leonelli, while Obazuaye will compete against Chinese Taipei’s Shiau-wen Tian.
Despite the challenges, African champion Ogunkunle expressed confidence in his teammates.
“We are aware of the task ahead and are determined to make ourselves and our country proud in Paris. It won’t be easy, but we are ready to do well and succeed here,” Ogunkunle said via the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation Media.
The singles matches are set to begin on Sunday, September 1
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