Seven-time Olympian Olufunke Oshonaike, has said that Nigerian table tennis players are making steady progress in spite of the challenges they face in competing regularly at international tournaments.
Oshonaike said in an interview on Wednesday in Lagos.
She said many players are improving in both skill and experience, but limited financial support continues to affect their development and world rankings.
“The players are improving, and the girls are improving too, but the others are also making progress.
“What many people do not understand is that regular participation in international tournaments is necessary for athletes to improve, gain experience and move up on the rankings,” she said.
According to her, the biggest challenge facing many Nigerian players is not a lack of talent, but the high cost of participating in international competitions.
She explained that competing in World Table Tennis (WTT) events and other global tournaments requires significant financial resources, which many athletes struggle to secure.
“If you want to play in WTT competitions, it is very expensive. Sometimes athletes have to fund themselves to attend competitions.
“We are not like footballers who have a lot of money. Without regular competitions, it is difficult to improve rankings,” Oshonaike said.
The table tennis icon noted that in spite of these challenges, Nigerian players have continued to show determination and commitment in their pursuit of excellence.
She said many athletes often rely on personal funds to participate in continental championships and other important tournaments needed for their growth.
Throughout her career, she became known for her consistency, discipline and resilience, earning respect from players and administrators across the world.
The table tennis icon also disclosed plans to revive her table tennis clinic for young players, particularly girls, as part of efforts to contribute to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
Oshonaike said the initiative would, however, depend on securing adequate sponsorship and support from corporate organisations and other stakeholders.
“I really want to do something, especially for the girls, but I cannot do it alone.
“I just hope I can get sponsors to support me. By the grace of God, if not this year, by 2027, I will start a big clinic,” she said.
She noted that grassroots programmes and youth clinics remained important avenues for discovering and nurturing future champions.
The Olympian also commended Nigeria’s leading player, Quadri Aruna, for his efforts toward establishing a table tennis academy aimed at developing young talents and creating opportunities for the next generation of players.
For more than three decades, Oshonaike has remained one of the most respected figures in Nigerian sports.
Oshonaike represented Nigeria at seven Olympic Games, making her one of Africa’s most accomplished table tennis players.
She said such initiatives are critical to sustaining Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s leading table tennis nations.