Omotayo dazzles as Nigerians dominate men’s singles at African Games

Olajide Omotayo and other Nigerian table tennis stars are dominating the men’s singles event at the ongoing 12th All Africa Games in Morocco.

Omotayo gave an inkling of what he has in stock again at the Games as he defeated one of the continent’s most celebrated star – Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh 4-3 to advance to semifinals.

Omotayo ombined his backhand with forehand smoothly and this confused the Egyptian who had to surrender in the thrilling encounter.

“I am so excited that in my first African Games I made it to the semifinal,” said an elated Omotayo.

Aruna Quadri also walloped Congo Brazzaville’s Saheed Idowu 4-0 to berth in the last four and set up a rematch of the ITTF Africa Cup against Egypt’s Omar Assar, billed for Thursday.

Read Also: Victor Osimhen bags brace again as Lille thrash Saint-Etienne

Seven-time Olympian Segun Toriola was at his very best when he also beat Egypt’s Khalid Assar 4-3 to set up a semifinal clash against Omotayo.

In the women’s event, Olufunke Oshonaike played her last game after going down 3-4 to Egypt’s Farah Abdel-Aziz.

Dina Meshref also beat Algeria’s Lynda Logrhaibi 4-0, while Edem Offiong humbled Egypt’s Reem El-Eraky.

Cameroun’s Sarah Hanffou berthed in the last four after beating Egypt’s Yousra Helmy.

Offiong will battle Hanffou while Meshref will face her compatriot – Abdel-Aziz in the second semifinal on Thursday August 29.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now