ITTF West Africa Challenge: Bello Emerges West African Champions

ITTF West Africa Challenge: Bello slated with feat, thanks NTTF

By Sampson Adedeji

2019 African Games silver medalist and national women champions, Fatimo Bello on Sunday emerged champions at the maiden 2019 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) West African Challenge staged in Abijan, Ivory Coast, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

While Nigeria dominated the women's single claiming the gold and silver, in the men's category, Nigeria athletes performance were not good enough to make them to the podium.

BSN reports that the tournament which was organised to pick the region representative for the 2020 African top 16 athletes who will compete to represent Africa at the Olympics. Tunisia is slated to host the Olympics qualification.

The Nigerian team claimed gold and silver in the women’s single to emerge the overall winner. Fatimo Bello came from behind to beat compatriot – Tosin Esther Oribamise 4-2 in the final of the women’s single.

“It was not easy at all because I had to come from behind to win the encounter. I am very happy and grateful to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) for the opportunity to represent my country.

"I must also acknowledge the support from the Abidjan fans despite being my first time in this lovely country and I look forward to returning next time,” Bello said.