By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria are among the countries competing at the ongoing ITTF Lignano Masters Para Open which kicked off on Wednesday March 15, 2023.
The competition is also a stage for 2024 Paralympic Games scheduled for France in 2024.
Heritage Times HT reports that the tournament is holding in Italy with more than 100 players competing at the four-day championships in their bid to shore up ranking points for qualification to the upcoming Olympic Games.
A 15-man Nigerian contingent was sponsored to the event by the Delta State government and the team has Commonwealth medalists – Isau Ogunkunle, Nasiru Sule and Faith Obazuaye – all aiming to garner points to be certain of their eventual qualification for Paris 2024.
Aside the Commonwealth trio, others in the contingent include Tokyo 2020 Paralympics bronze medalist Tajudeen Agunbiade, Olufemi Alabi, Victor Farinloye, Kayode Alabi, Bolawa Akingbemisilu, Ibrahim Soares, Faith Obiora, Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi, Maimuna Habib, Kehinde Lawal, Ganiyat Shoremekun and Ahmed Koleosho.
They are expected to compete in the singles, team and doubles’ events.
Meanwhile, FIFA have announced that the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and USA with an increased African participation of nine teams in a new 48-team format.
Africa was represented by five teams at the last World Cup in Qatar last year with the Super Eagles missing out in the huge football feast in the desert.
Europe will now have 16 teams from 13, Asia eight, South America six, Central and North America six and Oceania one.
Other highlights of the new World Cup include –104 matches, 48 teams, 12 groups of four teams.
Top two teams in each group plus 8 best third-placed sides advance.
FIFA 73rd annual congress expected to usher in new leadership will take place on Thursday March 16, 2023.
