Nigeria names teenage stars for 2024 African Championships in Ethiopia

The Nigeria Desk Tennis Federation (NTTF) has introduced a 10-member squad, predominantly that includes junior gamers, for the 2024 ITTF African Championships in Addis Ababa from 12 to 19 October .

The ultimate listing, launched by the African Desk Tennis Federation (ATTF), contains seasoned stars like Quadri Aruna, Olajide Omotayo, Ajoke Ojomu, and Fatimo Bello.

Becoming a member of them are promising younger abilities similar to Matthew Kuti, Muiz Adegoke, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, Aishat Rabiu, Hope Udoaka, and Aziza Sezuo.

Matthew Kuti, who made his senior debut on the 2023 African Video games in Ghana and competed within the 2023 African Championships in Tunis is West Africa champion and he might be making his second look on the continental occasion.

In distinction, Adegoke and Abdulfatai will debut on the African Championships after main the boys’s group to victory on the 2024 West Africa Regional Championships in Lome, Togo.

Udoaka, West Africa girls’s champion; Rabiu and Sezuo, merchandise of NTTF’s grassroots efforts, may also make their first look on the African Championships.

These gamers featured within the maiden Daniel Ford event they usually displayed distinctive expertise to win the hearts of the nationwide handlers.

NTTF Vice President Adesoji Tayo defined that together with junior gamers is a part of the federation’s technique to reveal them to top-class competitors early.

“We determined a number of years in the past to unearth new gamers, and we’re glad that a few of these gamers are coming by means of. They represented the nation on the regional event in Togo and competed in opposition to high gamers from the area. That is one other alternative for them to realize expertise on the African Championships. We’re not anticipating an excessive amount of from them as a result of they nonetheless want to realize extra confidence. They’ve skilled gamers like Aruna, Omotayo, Bello, and Ojomu to be taught from. We hope they’ll maintain their very own in opposition to a few of the greatest gamers in Africa,” Mr Adesoji stated.

Thrilling event

In the meantime, the Ethiopia Desk Tennis Federation (ETTF) has promised an thrilling event that blends tradition and sport.

ETTF President Tesfaye Bizane hopes to make use of the occasion to showcase Ethiopia’s wealthy cultural heritage.

“Internet hosting the event after 24 years affords a singular likelihood to showcase Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and historical past, making the occasion greater than only a sporting competitors,” Mr Bizane stated.

READ ALSO: Rivers Hoopers gear up for Nigeria Premier Basketball League title defence

“Guests can anticipate a heat welcome and vibrant cultural expertise in Ethiopia. Because the birthplace of espresso, they may have the chance to style genuine espresso straight from its supply. Visitors can discover numerous points of interest, together with the Nationwide Museum, which homes a 3.2 million-year-old fossil, zoos, aquariums, the African Union Headquarters, and the Adwa Memorial Museum.

This wealthy mix of historical past, tradition, and hospitality guarantees a memorable expertise,” Mr Bizane added.