Lagos – The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) said the selection of four male players to participate in the forthcoming International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Junior Circuit “Egypt Open“ was based on the players’ current form.
NTTF’s Technical Director, Anderson Bankole told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos that the players’ performances in recent times made it possible for them to represent the country.
“We did not just pick the players from nowhere. They are players that are known and have proved themselves severally in the past.
“At last years’ edition of the competition, some of them participated and they gave good accounts of themselves.
“They are capable young players and I want us all to support them in whatever ways we can,” he said.
Bankole, who is also an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), however, appealed to Nigerians living in Cairo to come out in large number and support the players.
“The players need the support of as many Nigerians as possible that they can get. This will also spur them to keep their game up and perform credibly.
“Support from spectators usually go a long way in sports. I am pleading for support for the young players,’’ Bankole told NAN.
NAN reports that the tournament is one of the ITTF Junior Circuits.
It serves off on March 23 and would end on March 27 at the Cairo Stadium in Egypt.
The players are, Abayomi Animashaun, Amadi Omeh, Sunday Komolafe and Azeez Sholanke.
Animashaun was part of the ITTF Hopes Team to the 2015 ITTF World Cadet Challenge in Egypt.
Omeh will be making his second international appearance, while Komolafe and Sholanke will be making their debuts in international tourney.
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The Ondo State Table Tennis Association, Head Coach, Dotun Omoniyi, will serve as the team’s coach during the competition.
Also the players will be using the tournament to warm up for the Algeria Junior and Cadet Open, ITTF Circuit/ITTF Africa Junior and Cadet Championships scheduled from April 1 to April 12 in Tiziouzou, Algeria. (NAN)
