Tokyo 2020: Omotayo Joins Oshonaike, Offiong As Aruna Quadri Misses Out

Table Tennis

Aruna Quadri missed out on securing a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games through the African Qualifying Tournament in Tunis after he withdrew with an injured thigh following his 4-2 defeat by Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw who booked his ticket to Japan with the victory.

Quadri who is Africa’s highest-ranked player could still secure a berth at the Olympics through the world ranking, as he is the only player in the top 20 yet to pick a slot in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Olufunke Oshonaike etched her name in the history books as the first African female athlete to qualify for seven Olympic Games after the former African champion won all her matches to install herself among the four women who picked their slots to Japan in Tunis.

Oshonaike made her debut at Atlanta 1996 and has featured in all the Olympic Games till date.

Nigeria’s duo of Offiong Edem and Olajide Omotayo also secured their places at the multi-sports championship holding in Japan.

Also, 18-year-old Fadwa Garci celebrated with her supportive father, Jalel, after the Tunisian sensation secured a seat on the Tokyo train.

Other already on the train to Tokyo are Cameroun’s Sarah Hanffou, Tunisia’s Adam Hmam and Algeria’s Larbi Bouriah.