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Winning African Games Remains My Greatest Feat as I Eye World Championship Success

Posted : 17 April 2026

Olajide Omotayo has identified his 2019 African Games gold medal as the definitive highlight of his professional career. The Nigerian table tennis standout shared these reflections as he prepares for the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championship in London. Omotayo famously overcame icons Segun Toriola and Quadri Aruna to secure that victory, a feat he says proved he belongs at the sport's highest level.

While that triumph brought immense pride, it also introduced significant pressure and expectations from the public. Omotayo noted that maintaining his momentum was difficult due to inconsistent financial support. This lack of funding limited his ability to travel for international tournaments, which negatively impacted his global ranking. He emphasized that talent alone is rarely enough without the structural backing required for elite competition.

Reflecting on his beginnings, Omotayo credited his childhood in a focused environment for his professional discipline. He praised mentors like Michael Oyebode and Ismail Ahmed Surmer for guiding his early development. Despite his passion, the journey was not without its low points. The athlete admitted that there were times when the lack of resources nearly forced him to quit the sport entirely.

Fortunately, a new chapter has begun for the Nigerian star through a partnership with his sponsor, Xuantie. Under the management of Vera Zhao, Omotayo plans to base his training in China to refine his technical abilities. This fresh support system has completely revitalized his motivation. He feels ready to compete regularly again and climb back up the international standings.

Looking ahead to the World Championships, Omotayo is optimistic about Team Nigeria’s chances in a balanced group. He believes that if the team plays at its peak, they will successfully advance to the knockout stages. Beyond his own performance, he remains vocal about the need for better player welfare and exposure for local coaches. He hopes his career will serve as a blueprint for younger players to follow.

 

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