Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games bronze medallist Olufemi Alabi has secured Nigeria’s first gold medal at the ITTF World Para Future in Amman, Jordan. Alabi clinched the gold medal in the Men’s Class 10 by defeating opponents from Iraq, India, and Indonesia, topping his group of four players.
The eight-member Nigerian team, consisting of five men and three women, is participating in the three-day tournament to earn ranking points ahead of the African Championships later this year. The team is coached by Nosiru Sule and Gbenga Olanipekun.
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medallist Isau Ogunkunle is leading the country’s quest for glory at the tournament. Ogunkunle began his campaign with a perfect record, defeating Jordan’s Ahmad Sabra and South Africa’s Tankiso Hata 3-0 each. This performance earned him a bye to the semi-final round in the Men’s Class 4-5.
Other Nigerian players who have impressed at the tournament include Bolawa Akingbemisilu, Abiola Adesope, and Tajudeen Agunbiade, who all secured their spots in the knockout stage. In the women’s category, Kate Oputa, Faith Obazuaye, and Kehinde Lawal have also progressed to the knockout round.
The knockout matches began on April 14, with the tournament concluding on Tuesday, April 15. The Nigerian team’s performance at the ITTF World Para Future is a boost to the country’s para table tennis prospects ahead of the African Championships later this year.