The battle for the continent’s highest slots in the table tennis event of Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be between Nigeria and Egypt when the qualifying tournament begins on September 20 in Egypt.
Already, some established players like Isau Ogunkunle, Faith Obazuaye, Tajudeen Agunbiade and a host of others have been confirmed for the 2023 ITTF African Para Table Tennis Championships which will take place at Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Giza, Egypt.
In their usual style, host country, Egypt is planning to assemble some of its finest players that will battle Nigeria which will also assemble a large contingent to secure more slots from the tournament.
From the previous qualifiers coupled with performance from the last edition of the African championships, Egypt and Nigeria are the dominant teams in the continent with the likes of Algeria and South Africa joining the fray in the medal chase.
At the Paralympic Games, Egypt and Nigeria have also been representing Africa with both countries having medals to show for their participation at the games.
However, 2022 Commonwealth Games medalist Ogunkunle believes he would be unstoppable in Egypt.
“I am going to Egypt to confirm my ticket to Paris because I cannot afford to start travelling abroad again to pick up my ticket.
“This is the best chance for me, and I know it is not going to be easy because my main challenge remains the Egyptian veteran Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh who is eyeing a record sixth appearance at the games. I am confident I can beat him to the sole slot in the class four division of the men’s singles,” he said.
Already, ‘Team Nigeria’ is in camp in readiness for the tournament as most of the players are putting the finishing touches to their training before their departure next week.
Meanwhile, President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) Khaled El-Salhy said the organisers; the Egypt Table Tennis Federation have been working tirelessly to stage a befitting tournament.
“I am looking forward to the best para players in Africa slugging it out for the few slots available as it is only the winner from each class that will qualify for the Paralympic Games, while others that are yet to meet the required points will have to compete in other tournaments to pick up the maximum points to be part of the party in Paris next year,” he said.
