Nigeria shared medals with its arch-rivals, Egypt in the table tennis teams events, for men and women at the ongoing 11th African Games in Brazzaville.
Nigeria defeated Egypt 3-2 in the men’s category, but lost the women’s team events’ title to Egypt by the same margin.
Team Nigeria led by ageless Segun Toriola, put up brilliant performance to take the lead. He defeated Africa’s number one, Omar Assar and El-Beiali to ensure 3-2 victory for Nigeria.
Toriola was indeed, unbeaten in all the matches played in the team events. “I am proud that we won the title this year because looking at the roll of honours, Nigeria has won the African Games’ title more than any other country in Africa”.
Aruna Quadri, Africa’s number two, said the defeat of Egypt was a sweet one. “In our last meetings he defeated me but I could remember that I had also beaten him twice.
“But today (Sunday), I found answers to him because we play same style and he believes my style suits him. I am so grateful to God that I was able to find answers to Mohammed El-Beiali tonight.
“This is a big victory for us after our women team narrowly lost to Egypt earlier,’’ Quadri said.
In the female category, tactical discipline gave victory to the Egyptians.
It was victories by Dina Meshref and Nadeen El-Dawlatly that gave victory to Egypt. The team had trailed Nigeria, 1-2 but eventually ended 3-2 in an epic final.
The doubles events will start today. (NAN)
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