Toriola, Oshonaike lead Team Nigeria to 2017 ITTF World Championships

Experienced campaigners, Segun Toriola and Olufunke Oshonaike lead a seven-man strong Nigerian contingent to the ITTF World Championships holding in Dusseldorf, Germany from May 29 to June 5.

According to a list released by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), also in the team are Africa’s highest ranked player, Aruna Quadri and Italy-based Olajide Omotayo, who will be making his debut at the World Championship.

Omotayo, a former junior national champion, was included in the team following his exploits at the last ITTF African Championships in Agadir, Morocco.
Omotayo who grew through the ranks from cadet to senior is excited about his inclusion in the team, describing it as a rare opportunity. He, however, pledged to make his inclusion counts in Germany.

The ITTF World Championships is the biggest table tennis tournament in the world this year.
After his last outing for Nigeria at the 2016 World Team Championships in Malaysia, Ojo Onaolapo makes a return to the team. The Ondo State-born star moved to Portugal this season and has been outstanding for his Portuguese team – ADC Ponta Do Pargo in the elite Portuguese league.

Onaolapo’s heroic performance at the 2014 Commonwealth Games still stands him out in the team.

For the women’s team, Oshonaike, who turned the clock back at Agadir, Morocco last year by winning the African title she last won in 2003, will be joined in Germany by her compatriots – Edem Offiong and Cecilia Akpan.