Team Nigeria made a powerful statement at the ITTF World Para Future tournament in Amman, Jordan, as Bolawa Akingbemisilu and Faith Obazuaye clinched gold in their respective singles events, raising the country’s medal count and fuelling hopes for a dominant finish in the doubles categories.
Akingbemisilu triumphed in the Men’s Class 4-5 after an intense all-Nigerian final, edging out compatriot Isau Ogunkunle 3-2. In the Women’s Class 9-10, Obazuaye delivered a commanding 3-1 victory over Kehinde Lawal to take the top spot on the podium.
The wins add to Nigeria’s growing medal haul, which includes a silver for Abiola Adesope in the Men’s Class 9, and for Paralympic bronze medallist Kape Oputa, who earned bronze medals in both the Men’s Class 9 and Women’s Class 4-5 events.
Adesope narrowly missed gold in a gripping final against Iurii Nozdrunov of Russia, falling 3-2. Veteran player Tajudeen Agunbiade secured bronze after his semifinal loss to Nozdrunov. Meanwhile, Oputa’s bid for gold was halted in a 3-2 defeat to Iraq’s Rusul Al Waeli.
With the singles events concluded, Team Nigeria is now setting its sights on the doubles competition, determined to build on its momentum and make a strong push for the overall team title.
On the opening day, Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games bronze medallist Olufemi Alabi secured Nigeria’s first gold medal in the Men’s Class 10.
The eight-member Nigerian contingent comprising five men and three women are in Jordan as part of preparations for the upcoming African Championships.
Backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC), this marks their first international outing since the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The team is coached by seasoned tacticians Nosiru Sule and Gbenga Olanipekun.
