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Fatimo is set to debut for Nigeria in table tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Fatimo Bello openly expressed her ambition to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in France before the continental qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.
Despite a less-than-impressive performance at the 2023 African Games in Ghana, Bello’s confidence in her abilities never wavered.
The 27-year-old is now set to represent Nigeria in table tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Bello, a two-time National Sports Festival Champion in Edo 2021 and Delta 2023, secured one of the four qualifying slots in Rwanda.
Her ranking soared after a remarkable performance at the 2022 ITTF Africa Cup, making her the highest-ranked Nigerian female player globally.
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Quadri Aruna, currently ranked 16th, has a golden chance to climb the rankings and secure a coveted top-16 seed at the Paris Olympics.
Although her rating dropped in 2023 due to inactivity, she persevered and secured her spot in Paris by defeating Algeria’s Lynda Loghraibi in the qualifiers.
Reflecting on her journey, the 143rd-ranked player in the world emphasized her love for the game and the privilege of representing Nigeria.
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09:50 - 26.06.2024
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The silver medal marks the first time in the WTT Series that a Nigerian and African pair reached a WTT Contender final.
“When people talked about going to the Olympic Games, it wasn’t my initial reason for playing table tennis. I started because I love the game, and the encouragement from my father and brother inspired me to put more effort into it.
“Even when my performance dipped, especially at the last African Games in Ghana, I never doubted my ability. Being part of the Nigerian national team is a rare privilege, and I cherish it. In a nation with millions of players, making the team is no easy task. I knew that if I could be part of the team, going to Kigali would surely give me the chance to compete in the Olympic Games,” Bello said.
As she prepares for her Olympic debut, Bello remains focused on making an impact. She appreciates the guidance from senior players and is ready to compete against the world’s best.
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07:45 - 21.06.2024
'A good one for me' - Fatimo Bello after defeating her senior colleague at WTT Lagos
Fatimo defeated Offiong 3-2 (11-6, 11-13, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5) in the first round of the singles event at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium despite Edem’s higher rating.
“I am aware of the challenge ahead at the Olympics, where more stars are competing. I am not going there just to add to the numbers but to make an impact.
“Many senior players have been advising and supporting me, and I am grateful for their guidance. I am more familiar with the terrain now, having taken a longer route to qualify for the Olympics,” Bello said.
Fatimo aims to make her debut at the Olympics a historic one.
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