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Ahead Paralympics 2024 Qualifier: Nigeria Table Tennis Camp Opens In Lagos

The National Stadium in Lagos comes alive today, Thursday, as the table tennis team heading to Egypt for the Paralympic Games qualifiers begins their camping as the Paralympics Committee of Nigeria (PCN) seeks more tickets for Paris 2024.

Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, Lesotho and five others are expected to converge in Cairo, Egypt from September 20 to 23 for the 2023 African Para Table Tennis Championships which is a qualification tournament for the Paralympic Games.

Sports Marketing International reports that Commonwealth medalists – Isau Ogunkunle, Faith Obazuaye, Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi top the list of Nigerian contingents to the tournament.

Already the players have arrived from their various bases in Lagos for the final preparation for the qualifiers as Ogunkunle, Obazuaye target their second appearance at the Paralympic Games, while Ikpeoyi will be aiming for her first outing at the games.

President of PCN Sunday Odebode has said that Nigeria would be aiming for more slots at the Paralympic Games, adding that they are ensuring that the team slug it out well with Egypt, the leading country in Africa in para table tennis.

Being the final preparation before their departure next week to Egypt, Obazuaye, a two-time Commonwealth Games medalist believes she is aiming for a medal in Paris after narrowly missing out on the podium at Tokyo 2020.

“I think I am ripe for a medal at the Paralympic Games as I was unlucky to have missed out on the podium in Tokyo being my first appearance. I am now experienced enough to know what I need to do to ensure I pick a medal in Paris,” the Edo State-born national champion said.

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AFCON 2025: Yobo to serve as draw assistant

Former Super Eagles defender Joseph Yobo has been selected as one of the draw assistants for the final draw of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The draw ceremony is set to take place today at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, where the 24 qualified teams will discover their paths to the trophy.

Yobo will be joined by other African football icons, including Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, and Aliou Cisse.

The quartet will not only oversee the draw by selecting balls from the pots but will also share their insights on the tournament groups.

The 2025 AFCON finals will be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

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Super Eagles will succeed under Eric Chelle – Sadiq Umar

Sadiq Umar

Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has expressed his support for the team’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, and is optimistic about his success in the role.

Chelle was appointed as the Super Eagles’ head coach earlier this month, a decision that has sparked criticism directed at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Despite the backlash, Sadiq is confident in the 47-year-old’s ability to lead the team effectively.

“You can see what he did in the last AFCON. Everyone thought Mali was one of the favorites,” Sadiq told Sporty TV.

“You can see how they played. They were so good, but they got knocked out in the quarterfinals because, sometimes, it’s not the best team that wins.

“But I can tell you, I watched a lot of Mali’s games because I have a teammate there. You can see how they play, and it’s clear the coach (Chelle) has a lot of great ideas.”

Chelle’s impressive work with Mali during the previous AFCON has given Sadiq confidence that the coach can bring similar success to the Super Eagles.

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‘I’m happy to be out there’ — Dessers opens up on Rangers exit

Dessers

Cyriel Dessers has expressed his intention to remain at Rangers beyond the winter transfer window despite speculation about his future.

The Nigerian international began the season as Rangers’ first-choice striker but has since lost his spot to Hamza Igamane.

Dessers has been linked with a return to Italy, with reports suggesting interest from Cagliari and Empoli. Spanish club Leganes is also reportedly keen on signing the former Feyenoord forward.

In a recent interview, Dessers acknowledged plans to discuss his status at the club with senior officials. However, the 30-year-old revealed that no such talks have taken place yet.

“No talks at all. I don’t mind that. I try to focus on the football and the things that are happening on the pitch,” Dessers told the Daily Record.

“Those are the things that I can control. And like Sunday at Tannadice, I’m just happy to be out there with the guys, fighting for the points and being important.

“That’s what I want. There’s a lot of unfinished business at Rangers for me. That’s why I kept pushing in the last weeks—in the gym, in training, and in the minutes that you get.”

Despite his recent challenges, Dessers has had an impressive season, scoring 18 goals across all competitions under manager Philippe Clement.

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