Nigeria’s Offiong Edem is set to stop Team Nigeria’s free fall at the ongoing 2020 Tokyo Olympics as she takes on America’s Lily Zhang in the second round of women’s table tennis singles event at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gym.
On a day that Team Nigeria failed to shine, Edem ensured it was not all gloom for the country as she kicked off her campaign with a 4-1 whitewash of Hungary’s Dora Madarasz on Saturday.
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She won the first three sets 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 before her opponent took the fourth 9-11. Edem, however, warped up her first round victory with 11-4 trouncing of Madarasz in the final set.
It will be recalled that debutant Olajide Omotayo had lost 1-4 to Portugal’s Tiago Apolonia in round one just as veteran Olufunke Oshonaike was beaten 7-11, 3-11, 4-11, 13-11, 4-11 by America’s Juan Liu the same
Uche Eke who made his debut appearance for Nigeria in gymnastics also failed to scale the first hurdle same with Esther Toko who struggled but couldn’t progress in rowing.
The duo of Godwin Olofua and Anuoluwapo Opeyori also lost to hosts Japan in their first game in Men’s doubles of the badminton event.
Edem’s victory, therefore, came as a huge relief for Team Nigeria in Tokyo following the defeats in gymnastics, badminton and table tennis.
Posting on her Instagram page to celebrate the victory over Madarasz, Edem expressed readiness to face her second round opponent. “Off to a great start! Big win, let’s continue tomorrow (today),” she enthused.
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