Sports
Nigeria Overtakes Egypt In ITTF World Ranking
Captain of Al Ahly (2nd left) trying to go past an opponent in a recent game.
Following the performance of Team Nigeria at the just-concluded Perfect World Team Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Segun Toriola-led side has moved up in the latest table tennis world ranking.
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), organisers of the championships said in a statement yesterday that Nigeria has been rated 24 and the best African team globally.
The statement also described the nation’s side as the “West Africa giants.’’
Prior to the ITTF World Team Championship in Malaysia, Nigeria was rated 32 behind Egypt which placed 25.
The statement said that ITTF noted that the team’s ranking placed the country with 216 points ahead of Egypt, which now occupies 29th position with 208 points.
It said that Nigeria’s outstanding outing at the competition in the Asian nation contributed to the rise in the world rating.
The statement also said that In the women rating, Egypt remained the best in the continent as the North African country was now ranked 29.
It said that the absence of the Nigerian female team may have caused their slide to 40th place in the world.
In spite of the slumping of Nigeria, the team still remains the second best team in Africa ahead of Congo Brazzaville, Algeria and Tunisia.
According to the statement, China which clinched the men and women’s titles at the competition remains the best teams in the world.
Reacting to the rating, the Vice-President, African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Olabanji Oladapo, described Nigeria’s performance as commendable.
Oladapo, however, decried inadequate support for the sport by the government, stressing that it affected the team’s general performance.
“Considering the level of preparations, their performances were very surprising but good as they topped their highly competitive group, consisting of five top table tennis playing nations, including Slovakia and India.
“Lack of effective preparations and stamina for the competition affected them and caused their loss to India in the quarter-final, a team they had defeated 3-0 at the group stage.
“Aruna Quadri and Segun Toriola impressed the spectators with their outstanding performances in spite of playing without a technically sound coach on the bench.
“We have the players and we know our generic problems,’’ he stressed.
The former Secretary-General, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), also lamented the absence of the Nigerian women team which, he said, would caused the team to play in lower division in the tournament’s next edition.
“The absence of Nigerian women meant that they cannot qualify for 2016 Rio Olympic Games. They are likely to be relegated to a lower division too.
“This will be confirmed after the World Table Tennis Championship (WTTC).
“What is obvious is their drop below Egypt, Congo Brazzaville, Algeria and probably South Africa in ranking as they were all at the competition.
“We will feel the effect of our ‘no show’ in African multi-sports games like African Games,’’ Oladapo regretted.
To help grow the sport in the country, the member of ITTF Board of Directors said that “we must go to the basics in all our sports.
“Refocus development of table tennis in schools, on the streets and neighbourhoods and recreate sporting culture that produced past heroes.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
-
Sports5 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports5 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports5 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports5 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports5 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Sports5 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Sports5 days agoPolice Games: LOC inspects facilities in Asaba
-
Niger Delta5 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form