Nigeria has a proud history in Paralympic table tennis, with two gold and three bronze medals since their debut at the Atlanta 1996 Games. This impressive track record fuels the team’s ambition as they prepare for the 2024 Games with rigorous training both in Nigeria and Germany.

Sule, who won a bronze medal in Atlanta, believes the team’s extensive preparation has set them up for success. “I think we had one of the best preparations this year because we have been in camp since June before leaving for Germany. This has given us ample time to refine our tactics. There is no doubt that this will be the most competitive Paralympic Games because there are many strong players heading to Paris. We are aware of this and ready to face it squarely because to be the best, you must beat the best,” said Sule.

Isau Ogunkunle, the reigning African champion in Men’s Singles Class 4, aims to surpass his quarter-final finish from Tokyo 2020. “It was a good experience for me in Tokyo, where I made it to the quarter-finals in my first outing. This time around, I am well prepared for Paris. With the guidance of the technical crew, who have exposed us to possible opponents, I am confident we are battle-ready. I am determined to return home with a medal,” Ogunkunle, a bronze medallist from Birmingham 2020, stated.

The women’s team includes Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi (Class 5) and Faith Bazuaye (Class 10). The men’s squad features Ogunkunle (Class 4), Kayode Alabi (Class 6), Abiola Adesope (Class 9), Bolawa Akingbemisilu (Class 5), Victor Farinloye (Class 8), and four-time Paralympian Olufemi Alabi (Class 10).

The Para table tennis events will be held at the South Paris Arena from 29 August to 7 September. This year’s Games will mark the return of doubles events to the Paralympic stage for the first time since 1976, including men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles for both wheelchair and standing athletes. However, there will be no doubles events for athletes in Class 11.

Singles competitions will feature all 11 classes for men and 10 for women, with Classes 1 and 2 combined. Unlike previous Games that included group stages followed by knockout rounds, this year’s events will follow a straightforward knockout format from start to finish. The tournament will commence with doubles matches and transition to singles events on Sunday, 1 September, with 181 athletes competing for medals and Paralympic glory in Paris.