Olympics Day One: Aruna, Omotayo take centre stage in table tennis

The long-anticipated Paris Olympics has officially begun, and over the next couple of weeks, athletes from across the world will attempt to etch their names in immortality. 

The Games formally commenced with a creative opening ceremony on the River Seine on Friday. Organisers will hope the athletic performances match the spectacle and grandiosity of the opening act.

Present at the ceremony were Nigerian contingents alongside athletes from other participating countries in colourful boats across the river.

The 88-member Team Nigeria will have to improve on the one silver medal and bronze won at the Tokyo Olympics.

Various sports federation had camped their athletes around Europe for several weeks of training ahead of the event.

Earlier this month, the house of representative also pledged a donation of N100 million to Team Nigeria for the Olympics.

Nigeria had already participated in a sport at the Olympics. The Super Falcons were defeated 1-0 by Brazil in their first group game on Thursday.

Athletes in other sports will aim for more positive starts to their Olympic campaigns. The first pair to try will be Aruna Quadri and Olajide Omotayo in table tennis.

BELOW IS THE SCHEDULE FOR TEAM NIGERIA FOR DAY ONE

Table Tennis

Olajide Omotayo (Nigeria) vs Noshad Alamiyan (Iran)

Men’s singles round of 64

Time: 7 pm

Aruna Quadri (Nigeria) vs Eduard Ionescu (Romania)

Men’s singles round of 64

Time: 9:15 pm