The draws and press conference for the 2017 Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) took place this morning at the Molade Okoya Thomas hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
In attendance was the immediate past President of the NTTF, Barrister Wahid Oshodi; the new President of the NTTF, Engr. Tikon Ishaku; male African table tennis champion, Aruna Quadri and the female African champion, Olufunke Oshinaike amongst other dignitaries.
On what to expect from other players he said: “Just like you have seen from the draws, it’s going to be the toughest Lagos open so far. Even from the group we would be witnessing the best matches and there would not be any walk over as all the participants would be very tough.”
When asked if he could win the competition Africa’s top seed, Aruna Quadri said: ‘I think it’s always not about winning. We should be thinking of competing first, representing our country well and also playing in such a way that we would be good ambassadors to our country. I’m not always focused on winning because everyone wants to win, so I think winning is not the main objective. The main objective is to give my best and represent my country well.’
‘However, tomorrow is my birthday and by the special grace of God, I’m expecting a birthday gift on the 13th of August which is the last day of the tournament. I’ve prepared very well and prayed to God and we all know success and good preparation always work together and if God really wants to crown my efforts (which I know he wants to do), I’m going to have a birthday gift on the 13th of August,’ he added.
The draws for the tournament can be found below:
- Men’s Singles (Main Draw)
- Women’s Singles (Main Draw)
- Men’s Singles (Qual. Groups)
- Women’s Singles (Qual. Groups)
- U21 Men’s Singles (Qual. Groups)
- U21 Women’s Singles (Qual. Groups)
Exactly a year ago today, the poster boy of African table tennis, Aruna Quadri made history by being the first African to reach the quarter-finals table tennis at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Still without an ITTF singles title to his name, the 2017 Seamaster ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open presents a perfect opportunity to once again write his name in the history books.
