The Lagos State Table Tennis Association says the state will dominate the sport’s event when the National Youth Games begin on Thursday in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The Games will commence on Thursday and end on September 30 at the University of Ilorin.
The Head Coach of the association, Samson Ajayi, said his players were battle ready to challenge any competitor.
Ajayi said: “When we talk about table tennis in Nigeria, Lagos athletes always prove their dominance. In Ilorin we will once again show that we take the lead.
“My athletes are in top shape with high morale, and coupled with the training they have undergone, they will hopefully emerge tops.
“I have confidence in them and their abilities, they posses what it takes to conquer.”
Ajayi said nine players will represent the state in table tennis.
He also stated: “We have seven able-bodied players and also two para-table tennis players. The competition is for both the able-bodied and para-athletes.”
Four male players and three females will feature for the state in the able-bodied category, while one male and one female para-player will compete in the physically challenged category.
The males are Azeez Sholanke, Augustine Emmanuel, Michael Obayomi and Lolade Oyenekan.
The females are Zainab Surmer, Kehinde Oyeniyi and Ifeoluwa Omotosho.
The male para player is Sodiq Akintayo, while the female is Rashidat Sulaimon.
The Eagle online News reports that no fewer than 2,600 athletes and 400 officials will converge on Ilorin for the nine days competition.
The University of Ilorin has been confirmed as host for the 2016 and 2017 editions because it has the required facilities in place.
The maiden edition of the NYG held in 2013 and the 2014 and 2015 editions could not hold due to paucity of funds.
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