Energetic, enthusiastic and engaging; after compatriot Bose Kaffo, she is the most successful female player at the quadrennial African Games, having been a gold medallist on 12 occasions.
It is anticipated Nigeria’s Olufunke Oshonaike will be on duty at the forthcoming 2016 ITTF-Africa Top 16 Cup.
The tournament will be staged in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan on Sunday 14th and Monday 15th February.
Cemented Place
“At the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville, she cemented her place at the Rio Olympic Games”, explained Olalekan Okusan, the Press Officer for the African Table Tennis Federation.
“It means she will become the first female table tennis player in Africa to feature in six Olympics”, added Olalekan Olusan. “Furthermore, her presence in Brazil will make her the first Nigerian female athlete in any sport to compete at six consecutive Olympic Games.”
Semi-Finalist Qualified
At the 2015 African Games staged in Congo Brazzaville last September, the four players who reached the semi-final stage of the Women’s Singles event at the 2015 African Games gained entries to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The other three to reserve places in the Brazilian city were the host nation’s Han Xing, alongside the Egyptian duo of Dina Meshref and Nadeen El-Dawlatly.
“Starting in 1996 at the Atlanta Olympic in United States, Olufunke Oshonaike has been present in five Olympics”, added Olalekan Okusan. “Also, she has featured at the African Games since 1991, more than any player in the continent.”
Injury
However, a tough task awaits the 40 year old mother of two who lives in the German city of Hamburg, where for many years she has played in one of the German Regional Leagues.
“She told me that she had been suffering from an injury during the 2015 African Games and explained she is yet to get over the injury”, explained Oloalekan Okusan. “However, her presence in Sudan will surely add glamour and glitz to what promises to be a most exciting tournament.”
One fact is certain; every time she wins she will celebrate like no player on planet earth. Olufunke Oshonaike wins, it is party time.
Pleased to be Listed
“I’m very happy and excited to be listed among the top 16 players in Africa but I must admit that I played with a lot of stress and injury at the African Games in Brazzaville”, said Olufunke Oshonaike, who is suffering from groin injury.
“I thought the injury would heal after the Games when getting to my base in Hamburg, Germany”, added Olufunke Oshonaike. “Things are no better and for some time now I have not been able to train well; I guess I might find it a little difficult in Sudan.”
Realistic
Experienced, Olufunke Oshonaike is realistic.
“I’m not so optimistic because of my injury but if I get to the semi-final I will be very happy”, continued Olufunke Oshonaike. “Players like Dina Meshref, Nadeen El-Dawlatly, Han Xing and Edem Offiong are title contenders.”
Enjoy Sudan
Furthermore, there would appear to be some doubt about her appearance in Khartoum.
“If I finally go to Sudan, I’m looking forward to a good competition and a little bit of fun”, continued Olufunke Oshonaike. “I’m not really prepared at all compared to the kind of preparation I had before the Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.”
Women’s World Cup
However, should she play, one fact is certain she will give total commitment.
“I have played in three World Cups, each time it was not easy for me because I went there all alone without a coach”, concluded Olufunke Oshonaike. “I feel really good making it to Sudan but not so sure of my standard right now.”
Olufunke Oshonaike competed in the Women’s World Cup in 2000 in Phnom Penh, in 2003 in Hong Kong and the following year in Hangzhou.
Maybe in 2016 such an achievement is a step too high.
ITTF
