Former Nigerian table tennis star, Funke Oshonaike, has raised serious concerns about the declining state of table tennis in Nigeria. The seven-time Olympian and one of the country’s most decorated players highlighted a number of pressing issues in a recent interview.
Oshonaike emphasized the lack of adequate infrastructure, funding challenges, and the need for improved coaching and technical support as major obstacles hindering the development of young talent. She stressed the importance of investing in youth development programs and grassroots initiatives to revitalize the sport.
The global landscape of table tennis has evolved significantly in recent years, but Nigeria’s performance and presence in international competitions have diminished. Oshonaike’s call to action comes at a crucial time, urging stakeholders and policymakers to address these challenges head-on.
The former Olympian’s passionate plea for the restoration of Nigerian table tennis serves as a wake-up call to the sporting community and beyond. The time to act is now to reclaim Nigeria’s competitive edge and ensure a bright future for the sport in the nation.