Offiong commends Dare, NTTF for peaceful atmosphere in Team Nigeria’s camp

Cross River State-born table tennis star, Edem Offiong, has attributed the calm environment and early resolution of issues by the Ministry of Sports and Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) for the country’s good outing at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which officially ended yesterday.

As of press time, Nigeria was seventh on the medals table with 11 gold, eight silver and 14 bronze medals. Team Nigeria is also Africa’s best performer at the Games, with its closest rival, South Africa, on seven gold, nine silver and 11 bronze medals.

Offiong, who was Nigeria’s last woman to exit the table tennis event, lavished commendations on Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, for paying their entitlements and other support on time.

In a telephone interview, Offiong said, “I don’t have any challenges now, the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development has paid all our entitlements.

“Everything is going on smoothly in Birmingham. I don’t have any challenges for now. I’m so happy with the atmosphere.”

She expressed delight at her performance in the games, where she reached the quarterfinals in the doubles and singles events.

She said: “We are four in number, myself, Fatimo Bello, Ajoke Ajumu, Oribamise Tosin.  I am in the round of 16 women’s singles.

“I am going for my doubles event and singles events today.”

She pledged to always do her best every time she is called on to represent Nigeria in international competitions.

Offiong, who partnered with Fatima Atinuke Bello in the women’s doubles quarterfinals, unfortunately, lost 0-3 to Australia’s pair of Jee Minhyung/Lay Jian Fang.