After a challenging start in the mixed doubles at the 2024 Paralympic Games, Nigeria’s table tennis team is gearing up for the singles competition with renewed hope and determination.

The draw, released on Friday, has placed the athletes against some of the world’s top players, but they remain undaunted.

In the Men’s Class 4, Nigeria’s Isau Ogunkunle will face a formidable opponent in world No. 3, Ali Ozturk from Turkey. Ogunkunle, who has been a beacon of hope for the team, expressed confidence despite the tough matchup. “We know what’s ahead, and we’re determined to make Nigeria proud. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready,” Ogunkunle shared via the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.

Bolawa Akingbemisilu, a debutant in Class 5, is set to take on Brazil’s Lucas Arabian, while Kayode Alabi in Class 6 will face Romania’s Bobi Simon. Both players are eager to showcase their skills on the global stage.

In Class 9, Abiola Adesope will challenge France’s Lucas Didier, and Olufemi Alabi will battle China’s Hao Lian in Class 10, one of the tournament’s toughest draws. Unlike his teammates, Victor Farinloye in Class 8 will start his campaign earlier, facing Croatia’s Borna Zohil in the round of 32.

On the women’s side, Commonwealth Games medallists Christian Alabi and Faith Obazuaye will take on Chile’s Tamara Leonelli and Chinese Taipei’s Shiau-wen Tian, respectively. Both athletes are determined to push past their opponents and advance in the competition.

The singles matches kick off on Sunday, September 1, and Nigeria’s players are ready to make their mark.

Atalanta could soon face a major decision as Manchester City expresses interest in signing Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.

With the transfer window nearing its end, Lookman has attracted attention from Premier League giants, including Liverpool and Arsenal, raising the stakes for the Italian club.

Lookman’s potential departure became a hot topic after Paris Saint-Germain made inquiries about him, leading the 26-year-old to request exclusion from Atalanta’s Serie A opener against Lecce. This move has left Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini in a tough spot, as Lookman was expected to be a key player for the season.

Reports from TBR Football suggest that Manchester City is now seriously considering a bid for Lookman, adding pressure on Atalanta to make a decision. Lookman, who moved from Everton to RB Leipzig in 2019 for £23 million, has been in fine form since joining Atalanta, scoring 32 goals and providing 18 assists in 79 appearances.

His impressive performances, including a hat-trick in a European final, have elevated his market value to around €60 million.

As the transfer window approaches its close, Atalanta must decide whether to cash in on Lookman or retain him as they navigate the interest from Manchester City and other Premier League clubs.

Nigerian striker, Jesse Akila, added to his goal tally in the Armenian topflight league as he inked his name on the score sheet in Football Club Van 6-1 thumbing of FC Gandzasar in the Matchday 3 fixtures played today at the City Stadium.

The Nigerian international who joined the Armenian side in the current transfer window from Trencin has been an instant hit as he records two goals in three games.

After been held to a (1-1) stalemate on Matchday two, Football Club Van eyed to bounce back to winning ways when it faces off with FC Gandzasar.

New boys, FC Gandzasar, were  faced with a tough test following its date with Football Club Van on Matchday 3 away from home.

An intriguing first half, Football Club Van were the first to break the flood gate of goals following its first goal at the 4th minute, a goal which begot (4) goals with Nigerian striker, Jesse Akila, scoring at the 18th minute off an assist from Farayola Olawale.

Second half rained more goals with Football club scoring (2) goal to bring the scoreline to 6-1 at full time.