Nigeria’s veteran table tennis star, Segun Toriola has expressed disappointment over comments on social media questioning his participation at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Toriola played a key role in the team’s event that won silver losing to India in the final. He also led Nigeria to a 3-2 win over England in the semis of the team event. But was knocked out of the doubles and retired to a knee injury in the men’s singles.
A knee injury has forced Segun Toriola to retire in the 2nd game of the Men's last 16 match against Sathiyan Gnanasekaran of Indian.
He was trailing 7-11,5-9 when he threw in the towel. Get well legend @ToriolaSegun pic.twitter.com/Q3AWkkWymv
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— Nig Table Tennis (@NGtabletennis) April 12, 2018
The following comments were made by some Nigerian fans after the above tweet by the Nigeria table tennis federation.
He had no business going to the competition in the 1st place, we should have gone with younger talents, but our win at all cost mentality won't allow us do the right thing..CW games should be for younger talents..I hope we learn next time. Thanks
— Oluwatosin (@riicojay13) April 12, 2018
What is toriola still doing in the team, he has been representing nig for ages now. the Chinese that defeated him @ d last Olympic has not been born when toriola started representing nig, the tennis fed should think of grooming fresh blood to fly the flag of the nation
— ajewole olaide (@lydaywole) April 12, 2018
Toriola has come out to rebuke those comments calling for his retirement.
I was injured doing playing men team final instead of u people to wish me good recovery u people are saying stupid words, u people no nothing about table tennis i make the country proud for over 30 yrs u people should try make naija proud b4 we can talk
— Toriola Segun (@ToriolaSegun) April 13, 2018
I don't no why all of u don't mind your fucking business,don't no why all of u keep saying I should quit playing u people should go and retire on your job and give fresh graduates a chance to work there are millions of fresh graduates looking for job so u people should retire
— Toriola Segun (@ToriolaSegun) April 13, 2018
Tennis reporter Latipha Adebayo called on Nigerians to give the legendary tennis star his deserved respect.
The least Segun Toriola deserves is some RESPECT. He's still the best shot (after Aruna) in Nigeria.
I guess he's had enough of the insults judging from his responses via @NGtabletennis pic.twitter.com/YJIF3idf1F
— Latifat Adebayo Ohio (@Phatill) April 13, 2018
