Lagos- Two of the table tennis players to represent the country at the forthcoming International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) world tour, tagged “Lagos Open’’, on Sunday said that they were ready for the championships.
Onaolapo Ojo and Kazeem Makanjuola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Lagos that they were not afraid of any competitor in the tournament.
NAN reports that the competition is slated for March 11 to March 14 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Italy-based Ojo said that he was not bothered by the experienced players who would be participating because he knows that he possesses what it takes to conquer.
He, however, said that there are certain players that he would definitely watch out for at the tournament.
“The Egyptian players I would have to be very wary of because they are very technical and skilful.
“I have been preparing so hard for this competition and perfecting all that is needed for me to emerge victorious,’’ he said.
The Marcozzi Club table tennis player in Italy said that he was determined to make a remarkable performance at the tournament.
“The task ahead is not an easy one but with God on my side, I believe I will make an outstanding performance,’’ he said.
Home-based Makanjuola said that he was absolutely ready to take on any player at the competition.
He said that he wasn’t scared and was up to the task of challenging anyone on the table.
“I am always excited when it comes to competitions because this is one thing I love to do.
“Competitions make me get better and for this Lagos Open, I have been preparing so hard for it, regardless of the persons taking part in it.
“I am not moved by the names of persons that are going to take part in it; we are all into it for the same purpose,’’ he said.
NAN reports that the ITTF has named Egypt’s Nabil Almamoon as referee for the tournament.
The experienced referee is one of the respected officials in the world and he has handled many major competitions.
The Egyptian will be assisted by Algeria’s Boudjehem Abdallah, while his compatriot, Mounir Bessah, has also been confirmed as the competition manager.
Nigeria’s Oluranti Lajide, is the tournament director, while 30 officials will handle proceedings at the championship with Ghana, Togo and Cameroon being represented.
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About 26 Nigerian international and national umpires will be on duty, while a refresher course for the officials will precede the kickoff of the competition.
No less than 12 countries are expected to be part of the four-day championships.
The countries are Egypt, Portugal, Russia, Benin, Cameroon, Congo DR, Djibouti, Sierra Leone, Iran, Togo and hosts, Nigeria.
The Egyptian team will be led by current ITTF Africa Senior champion, Omar Assar, and he will be joined by 12 compatriots, including current African women champion, Dina Meshref.
Portugal has the trio of Diogo Silva, Andre Silva and Jieni Shao, while Russia will be represented by Irina Ermakova.
Iran will also be debuting at the tournament with the duo of Afshin Noroozi and Nima Alamian.
Nigeria will be led by the current ITTF Star Player, Aruna Quadri, while veteran and six-time Olympian, Segun Toriola, will also be part of the contingent.
For the women’s event, Nigeria will be represented by Germany-based Funke Oshonaike, Portugal-based Edem Offiong and winner of the maiden edition of the tournament, Cecilia Otu-Akpan.
Over 100 players have been listed for the tournament, which is the second challenge series in the ITTF World Tour calendar after the Hungary Open, held in January.
NAN reports that the total prize money is $46,000 and the Egyptians will be aiming to defend the title they won here in Lagos in June, last year.
The competition is being held in Lagos for the third time.
Its maiden edition also held in Lagos in 2013.(NAN)
