Nigerian table tennis player

By Okon Bassey

Players from five African countries including Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt, Togo and hosts Nigeria, are to compete for honours in this year’s Reach Out Nigeria (RON) with Rhapsody of Realities Open Table Tennis Championship in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

No fewer than 18 states in Nigeria have already indicated interest to field players for the international table tennis fiesta powered by the Christ Embassy.

The Senior Pastor of Christ Embassy, Uyo, Pastor Emeka Nnabuko, disclosed at the weekend that the church was committed to sustaining her impact on Nigerian sports with the 4th edition of Reach Out Nigeria 

He recalled that in 2011, over 10 state governments, private teams and clubs, including, Aso Rock Club, Abuja, Union Bank  Sports Club and several unattached players  participated in the 3rd edition of RON Open Table Tennis Championship.

Nnabuko who described the championship as Nigeria biggest and only open table championship at the moment, hinted that five international teams are expected to compete.

“This year, over 18 states will be represented by five players each. This year also, RON with Rhapsody of Realities Open Table Tennis Championship is designed as an international meet with athletes sponsored from Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt and Togo.

“With the success of previous editions written boldly in our sports history, this 4th edition promises to maintain the international standard we have set for the competition.

“For three years, RON champions have gone up to excel at international level. Nobody produces champions presently in table tennis more than RON open table tennis championship.

“RON 2009 female champion, Offion Edem is the current Nigerian champion and one of the medallists at the last African championships and also one of the few medallists for Nigeria at the all Africa Games in Maputo in 2011.
According to him, all the table tennis boards for the 4th edition are of international standard expected from the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF).