Players, teams storm Lagos for NTTF national open, Commonwealth trials

Players and teams expected to battle for honours at the 2017 Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) national open and Commonwealth Games trials arrive Lagos on Monday.

The four day tournament serves off on Tuesday December 12 with draws for the 18 events expected to be competed for at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium.

All eyes will be on the 2017 Asoju Oba Cup champion, Jamiu Azeez as well as women’s singles defending champion, Cecilia Otu-Akpan who will be aiming to retain her title as the best female player in the country.

Women’s singles defending champion – Otu-Akpan – says she is not ready to lay down her title this year, while Azeez, who is still ruing his defeat to Sola Oyetayo in the Men’s category last year, is hoping to bounce back.

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“I don’t see anybody stopping me again this year as I am willing and eager to still remain the best in the country nationally,” African Games medalist Otu-Akpan said.

Azeez said: “I cannot still believe that I lost a match I was leading 3-0 and 10-8 in the fourth game. But this is part of the lesson of life for me because it is not over until it’s over.

“Now I am more conscious and ready not to allow this kind of situation to repeat itself again. I also believe the Asoju Oba Cup has helped to put me in top shape for the national open and trials,” he added.

Over 300 players across Nigeria are expected to compete in 18 events including para athletes who will aiming for places in the Commonwealth Games team.

 

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