As Quadri Aruna, Africa’s lone representative to the 2016 Men’s Table Tennis World Cup in Saarbrucken, Germany prepares, the sport’s buffs have pledged their moral and spiritual support to him.
The fans told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that they would pray for him to surpass his previous world records by winning the competition.
NAN reports that 20 players from across the globe will participate in the competition which will serve off on Oct. 1 and end on Oct. 3.
Anderson Bankole, the Technical Director, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), urged him to give the competition his best.
Bankole said that he should play at the competition like he had always done in the past.
“We at NTTF and Africa as a whole are behind him. He is an experienced player who has never failed to deliver. He knows his onion and he’s very good at it.
“This is not his first time at the competition and he understands how it operates. I only urge him to play cautiously and not put himself under unnecessary pressure.
“He should ensure that he is calm and focused so that he can achieve whatever target he has set for himself,’’ Bankole said.
A junior sensational player, Tosin Oribamise, applauded her compatriot for being Africa’s lone representative and encouraged him keep soaring higher.
Oribamise urged him to conquer in Germany and surpass his past record at the 2014 edition.
“I am very proud of him because he’s doing well and making African players proud. I respect him so much and I look up to him.
“He is in my prayers and I believe in him and his abilities that he will do well in Germany,’’ she said.
A cadet player, Abayomi Animashaun, said that with Aruna’s current form he will conquer in Germany.
Animashaun said that his mentor was in top form.
“He has prepared well for this competition. He was at the Olympics and has been playing in club and leagues, so, there’s no reason for alarm.
“I want him to be focused and not have a divided mind. We are solely behind him and will keep encouraging him through our prayers,’’ he said.
He appealed to Nigerians based in Saarbrucken to come out to cheer him to victory,’’ Animashaun said.
Portugal-based Ojo Onaolapo advised that he plays each match as they come and not underrate any opponent.
Onaolapo said that every participant is in it for one common goal; victory.
“They are all into it for the same mission and they all will want to outshine one another.
“He should be extremely careful and at the same time not mount pressure on himself,’’ he said.
NAN reports that at the 2014 edition he made it to the quarter-finals and is the first African to record the feat.
Aruna is currently ranked 25th in world rankings with 2,457 points. (NAN)
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