By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos – The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) on Wednesday promised early invitation of players to camp ahead of international competitions, to ensure adequate preparation and good showing in such events.
Ndubuisi Nwobu, NTTF Vice-President, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that such a step would ensure better organisation of the players.
“The past board did marvelously well, and set a standard which we really want to improve upon by creating an enabling environment for players to excel in international events.
“We periodically communicate with some of the players, especially when there is a national championship, for the purpose of hearing from them directly and to know their areas of challenges.
“So, whenever there is an opportunity for our national players to participate in championships outside the country, we will strive to get them to national camp ahead.
“Training is expected to regularly sharpen their ability under the guidance of our coaches, and above all, camping will summarise and get them effectively ready,’’ he said.
Nwobu said that plans were underway to ensure that players’ welfare was given priority, especially while on national assignment, adding that such motivation would ginger them to perform better.
He said that camp allowances, adequate training facilities, feeding and good medical services would be given priority attention, to enable the players to remain focused.
The official urged players in various categories, including the technical officials of the NTTF, to increase their passion for the sport and aim higher.
“We are encouraging state associations to show more commitment in their grassroots activities.
“Some have distinguished themselves by better performances as cadet and junior players,’’ said Nwobu, who is also the NTTF South-East representative.
NAN reports that Nwobu was elected NTTF Vice-President in the board election organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on June 30 in Abuja. (NAN)