‘ITTF tournament will place Lagos on the world map’

Kweku Tandoh, executive chairman of Lagos state sports commission, says hosting the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Cup will grow tourism in Lagos and place the state on the world map.

Tandoh disclosed this during a press conference at the Teslim Balogun stadium, Lagos.

Nigeria is hosting the African Club Championships, ITTF Africa Cup and ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open.

He said that the advantage of hosting the three competitions in Lagos is to make the state the hub for tourism and to expand its global recognition.

“The benefit of hosting this event is to grow tourism in Lagos state, as the aim of the state is to emerge as the hub for tourism, entertainment and sport in Africa, ultimately putting Lagos on the world map,” Tandoh said.

On his part, Ishaku Tikon, president of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), said Nigeria will continue to raise the standard of table tennis with the hosting of major competitions in Africa.

He added that the world now looks toward Nigeria in terms of organisation of world class competitions.

“We will continue to raise the bar as regards table tennis in the country and Africa,” said Tikon.

Wahid Oshodi, chairman of Local Organising Committee (LOC), said fans would be treated to exciting matches in the above tournaments.

“We’re hoping to give them huge entertainment and I want them to come over to the stadium and enjoy the games,” Oshodi said.

Aruna Quadri, top Nigerian table tennis star, said his Lagos fans should expect the best from him.

“Everyone wants to win and I want to win as well and to give my 100 percent best. Although it is always difficult playing in front of home fans as it is also a motivation, they should expect the best from me,” he said.

In his remarks, Khaled El-Salhy, president of Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), diclosed that the tournament would help to showcase the quality of players in Africa.

“We want to show that we have world class players in Africa, like Aruna Quadri and Omar Assar at the next ITTF World Cup. Lagos is like home of table tennis in Africa,” he said.