September 04, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Kayode Alabi has been knocked out of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris after a disappointing quarter-final defeat in the Men’s Singles Para-Table Tennis competition.
Alabi faced a tough opponent in Thailand’s Rungroj Thainiyom in the Class 6 category. The Thai player proved too strong, defeating Alabi in straight sets 3-0 (7-11, 1-11, 6-11).
In another match, Nigeria’s Wali Abiola Adesope also saw his Paralympic journey end. Competing in the Men’s Singles Class 9, Adesope was up against France’s Lucas Didier. Unfortunately, he too was unable to advance, losing in straight sets 3-0 (11-9, 11-4, 11-6).
Meanwhile, in the Women’s Singles Class 5, Christiana Alabi put up a valiant effort against Chile’s Tamara Leonelli. Despite a strong challenge, particularly in the last two sets, Alabi was ultimately defeated 3-1 (11-8, 11-5, 10-12, 12-10). Her exit marks the end of her campaign in Paris.
As the competition continues, Nigeria’s hopes in table tennis now rest solely on Isau Ogunkunle. Ogunkunle has advanced to the quarter-finals in the Men’s Singles Class 4 and will face France’s Maxime Thomas in a bid to keep Nigeria’s medal hopes alive.
Nigeria’s athletes have faced tough competition in table tennis at the 2024 Paralympic Games. While the journey has ended for some, all eyes are now on Ogunkunle as he fights for a spot in the semi-finals.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
