The first Nigerian athlete to win a game in the last summer Tokyo Olympics, Offiong Edem said she is certain to maintain the leading record as the 2021 ITTF African Championship begins in Yaounde, Cameroon on 1st September 2021.
The Cross River State-born table tennis champion recorded Nigeria’s best progress in the last International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) ranking after the Tokyo Olympic Games. Edem is 3rd best in Africa and 116th in the world after climbing from 123rd position.
“I’m hoping to come out with flying colours from Cameroon championship. Being in Tokyo for me was a very good experience, Tokyo was the biggest event.”
As the return of Table Tennis in Africa makes Hotel Mont Febe and environs busier, Africa’s most successful male table tennis player, Omar Assar of Egypt was delighted about the return of Africa competition in Cameroon.
“I’m happy that we can play together in Africa again. I must thank the Cameroon Table Tennis Association for its efforts at ensuring that a major tournament starts again in Africa. I have put the outing in Tokyo behind me and I am looking forward to performing well at Yaounde.”
Omar Assar may soon be surprised to find out that he may play against a Cameroonian player who worshipped him as a teenager.
Igor Boulmo of Cameroon confessed he used to idolize Assar, “I am happy he is here to play and I am looking forward to playing against him (Omar Assar). I want to give my 100 per cent in this competition with the hope that my best will be rewarded. It is great to play at home and it is
good that table tennis is back.”
As Offiong Edem eyes the competition summit, her arch-rival and 6th times African champion has dared her opponents. The Egyptian Dina Meshref said she was not in Cameroon to play for public admiration.
For the Tournament Director and President, Cameroon Table Tennis Association, Alfred Bagueka Assobo, hosting the
the tournament became possible through the enormous sup-
port from ITTF and ATTF. Adobo thanked the government of Cameroon for accepting to host the first continental tournament after the global lockdown necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s only match-winner at the Olympics is very hopeful that the outcome of the tournament will see her upward movement again in ITTF rankings.
“After this tournament will move up a bit in the ITTF ranking if I should get to the final or win the tournament. In Africa, you have a whole lot of points when you win a tournament or get to the semifinals and finals but it depends on the championship.”
As Nigerian representatives like Olajide Omatayo, Aruna battle from 1st to 7th September for seven titles in 4 events, former Africa table tennis (ATTF) official, Mr Offiong Ndem has called for sponsors to support Nigerian athletes and improve their ranking in table tennis.
“Nigeria has been down in ranking because of facilities and so on. Egypt often achieves a lot in tournaments because they have sponsors. Nigerian players like Offiong Edem go to tournament on their own expenditures. If they have sponsors, they can attain tournaments even in Europe and get point. Like this event in Cameroon, they’ll be ranked thereafter.”
