Paralympics: Mixed Fortunes For Team Nigeria In Paris

<strong><em>Chigozie Nnanna</em></strong>

Team Nigeria experienced mixed fortunes at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France.

There was cheering news early on Thursday, August 29, as Chigozie Nnanna triumphed over Germany’s Marcel Adam with a 2-0 victory in the Men’s Singles.

Nnanna dominated the encounter, winning the first game 21-12 and continuing his strong performance with a 21-15 win in the second game, starting his group campaign on a high note. Next up for Nnanna is Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan on Friday, August 30.

Similarly, African champion and world No. 2, Mariam Bolaji showcased her prowess against India’s Mandeep Kaur in the group stage of the Women’s Singles.

Bolaji demonstrated why she is among the best in the world, overwhelming her Indian opponent with a 21-8, 21-14 win to secure a 2-0 victory.

Bolaji will face Australia’s Celine Vinot in her next group match to determine her advancement to the knockout stage.

However, it was a tale of woes in the table tennis doubles events. Kayode Alabi and Victor Farinloye were defeated 3-0 by China’s Huang Jiaxin and Peng Weinan in the round of 16 of the Men’s Doubles. The Chinese pair dominated from the start, winning 11-9, 11-5, 11-8 to advance.

Alabi faced further disappointment when he partnered with Faith Obazuaye in the round of 16 of the Mixed Doubles event.

Despite losing the first game 11-6 to Great Britain’s Joshua Stacey and Bly Twomey, the Nigerians fought back to win the second game 11-7, leveling the tie at 1-1.

However, the experience of Stacey and the youthfulness of Twomey proved decisive as they overcame Alabi and Obazuaye 11-6, 11-6 in the third and fourth games to complete the 3-1 rout of the Nigerians.