Nigeria’s para table tennis team has kicked off their 2025 international season with veteran star Olufemi Alabi claiming the country’s first gold medal at the ITTF World Para Future Tournament in Amman, Jordan.
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic bronze medalist proved age is just a number, powering through his group in the men’s Class 10 with commanding wins over opponents from Iraq, India, and Indonesia, finishing unbeaten and clinching the top prize in style.
But Alabi isn’t alone in flying Nigeria’s flag high. His teammate, Isau Ogunkunle—who made history as Africa’s only medalist in para table tennis at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games—is leading the charge for more glory.
Ogunkunle, competing in men’s Class 4–5, delivered two ruthless 3-0 victories against Jordan’s Ahmad Sabra and South Africa’s Tankiso Hata, securing a bye straight into the semifinals.
A Rising Tide of Nigerian Talent
Nigeria’s eight-player delegation—five men and three women—arrived in Amman with momentum and purpose.
Backed by the National Sports Commission, the squad is using this three-day tournament to build momentum and earn vital ranking points ahead of the African Championships later this year.
Among the early standouts is Bolawa Akingbemisilu, who dominated Group 3 with back-to-back 3-0 wins over India’s Abhishek Singh, Kuwait’s Ahmad Alotaibi, and Jordan’s Issa Hamad, storming into the knockout stages.
Also shining in the men’s Class 9, veterans Abiola Adesope and Tajudeen Agunbiade cruised through their group matches unbeaten, setting up what promises to be a thrilling campaign in the knockout rounds.
Nigerian Women Hold Their Own
On the women’s side, Kate Oputa rebounded from a narrow 2-3 loss to Jordan’s Khetam Abuawad by overpowering India’s Ushabahen Rathod 3-1, securing a spot in the next round of Class 4–5.
Meanwhile, Faith Obazuaye and Kehinde Lawal, both competing in Class 9–10, topped their respective groups, continuing Nigeria’s strong run at the event.
Under the guidance of national team coaches Nosiru Sule and Gbenga Olanipekun, Team Nigeria is showing impressive form and unity.
The knockout matches will take place on Monday, April 14, with medal rounds and the tournament’s conclusion scheduled for Tuesday, April 15.
