Nasiu Bello, Coach for the National Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), on Tuesday denied speculations that Nigeria had crashed out of the 2020 Olympics set to hold in Tokyo.
Bello told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the qualification stages for the Olympic were in five parts.
He added that Nigeria had lost just one of the stages which is the mixed double event.
“We have not crashed out of the 2020 Olympics. We have Aruna, who is 18th in the world, he is working towards qualification with this ranking.
“There are three qualifying stages in the Olympics, which are; team event, single event, mixed doubles, for both genders.
“Nigeria did not qualify for team event only, we still have the single, mixed double qualifying stages, which are still ongoing.
“This qualifying stages are scheduled to hold from Feb. 23 to Feb. 29, African single cup in Tunisia, Madagascar,” he said.
Bello also disclosed that some home-based players were on ground for training while others in the Diaspora were been monitored.
“Preparations are ongoing, presently we are in an open camp, before we begin the closed camp.
“I also coach the athletes in Diaspora who are participating in the different qualifying stages to ensure NTTF athletes bring victory back home by the grace of God,” he said.
Also, Bello Fatiha, representing Nigeria in the top 16 women singles event in Tunisia, said she was aiming to qualify for the Olympics.
“This is the final qualifying stage for African top 16, I will make through this stage.
“I am preparing adequately for the Tokyo 2020 and my focus is on the cup, by the grace of God,” she said.
Azeez Sholanke, a junior player, said a lot of positive outcomes should be expected from him and his fellow players for this sporting year.
He added that dedication and rigorous training would help enhance their output for the tournament.
“We have been putting in a lot of energy, dedication for the different sporting events of this year.
“We are in an open camp, which will be for a while before the closed camp takes off.
“The closed camp will give room for better preparation, which is key, the Europeans are skillful players.
“We at the NTTF are putting in more zeal for a victorious result this year by the grace of God.
“Only the best should be expected from us,” he said.
