Alabi claims Nigeria’s first gold, Ogunkunle shines at ITTF World Para

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games bronze medallist Olufemi Alabi has secured Nigeria’s first gold medal at the ITTF World Para Future in Amman, Jordan just as Paris 2024 Paralympic Games bronze winner, Isau Ogunkunle is leading Nigeria’s run at the three-day tournament.

The eight-member Nigerian team, consisting of five men and three women, departed for Jordan over the weekend to earn ranking points ahead of the African Championships later this year. Sponsored by the National Sports Commission (NSC), this tournament marks their first major competition of the year and their first international outing since the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Ogunkunle, Africa’s sole medallist in the table tennis event at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, began his campaign with a perfect record, defeating Jordan’s Ahmad Sabra and South Africa’s Tankiso Hata 3-0 each. This performance earned him a bye to the semifinal round in the Men’s Class 4-5.

Bolawa Akingbemisilu also impressed in Group 3, achieving flawless victories over India’s Abhishek Singh, Kuwait’s Ahmad Alotaibi, and Jordan’s Issa Hamad, all with 3-0 scores, to advance to the knockout stage.

In the men’s Class 9, Abiola Adesope and Tajudeen Agunbiade remained unbeaten in their group matches, securing their spots in the knockout stage. Olufemi Alabi clinched the gold medal in the Men’s Class 10 by defeating opponents from Iraq, India, and Indonesia, topping his group of four players.

In the women’s Class 4-5, Kate Oputa advanced to the knockout round despite finishing second in Group 2. The former Commonwealth Games medallist lost her first group match to Jordan’s Khetam Abuawad 2-3 but dominated India’s Ushabahen Rathod with a 3-1 win to secure her place.

Faith Obazuaye and Kehinde Lawal topped their groups in women’s Class 9-10, ensuring their progression to the knockout round.

The Nigerian team is coached by Nosiru Sule and Gbenga Olanipekun. The knockout matches are scheduled for Monday, April 14, with the tournament concluding on Tuesday, April 15.