NTTF shortlists 20 players for tennis clinic in Lagos
Over 20 players made up of 11 girls and nine boys have been shortlisted by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) for a 10-day camping exercise with Germany-based Nigerian table tennis player Olufunke Oshonaike.
The tennis clinic, billed for February 25 to March 5 at the NTTF Training Centre at the Lagos National Stadium, is organised to inspire and motivate the players to passionately be committed to the sport.
The six-time Olympian believes the gesture will surely give the players hope that with discipline and hardwork, they can succeed in the sport.
“I believe when top players like us organize such programme for the young players, they can be inspired and motivated to take a cue from us. I am hoping to arrive in Lagos, Nigeria on February 24 for the clinic,” Oshonaike said.
Based in Hamburg, Germany with her family, Oshonaike expressed her dissatisfaction that the fortune of female players in Nigeria is dwindling.
“I love table tennis and the sport has given me all what I need in life. Apart from the fame, I have made some fortune from the sport. All these were made possible because I was committed to the sport and this made it possible for me to achieve all what I needed.
“Unfortunately these days, the Nigerian players are frustrated because of lack of exposure and this has discouraged most of them. I am hopeful that the clinic will help to re-launch them back to the track and I want to use the opportunity to inspire and also help them with some equipment that will aid them in training.
“I really want to focus on the female players because we have not been producing top female players like before and I hope that after telling them my story, they will be encouraged to aim high in the sport,” she explained.