Trials for the upcoming Africa Games have been officially concluded by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation as 15-year-old Taiwo Mati emerged champion of the male singles’ category.
International Table Tennis Federation
The youngster from Ondo State rose from two sets down to defeat Akinwale Fagbamila, also from Ondo, 4-2 (13-15, 14-16, 11-7, 12-10, 11-8, 11-7) in the final.
In the third place encounter, Abdulraham Abdullahi beat Jide Ogidiolu 4-2 (11-13, 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 10-12, 16-14).
In the female category of the games, Fatima Bello defeated Cecilia Otu-Akpan 4-2 (5-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4, 5-11, 10-12, while 19-year-old Nimota Aregbesola outgunned Ayo Udoh 4-0 (11-7, 11-6, 13-11, 11-2), in the third-place match.
Speaking to newsmen after the trials, the men’s singles champion said losing two sets to his state teammate was painful, but he summoned courage after a brief personal time.
“The two sets I lost were very close, so I went to the corner to console myself and to gather some momentum so I can play the rest of the match.
“I didn’t do anything different other than training with my partner, he is also my partner and we are from the same state. He is the captain of my team and the one that trains me also. Our state government is encouraging us and giving us financial support.”
— Mati
The President of the NTTF said the best 10 players in both categories will be invited for another trial, scheduled for 29th and 30th July, where they will be joined by other players from outside Nigeria.
Source: Punchng
Featured Image Source: International Table Tennis Federation