Isau Ogunkunle delivered a exceptional efficiency on the 2024 Paralympic Video games in Paris, inflicting a significant upset within the males’s singles SL4 para-table tennis occasion.
Ogunkunle, who has been a rising star in Nigerian para-sports, defeated World No. 3 Abdullah Ozturk of Turkey in an exciting spherical of 16 match.
The match started with Ogunkunle dropping the primary set 11-6, however the Nigerian athlete demonstrated immense resilience and willpower to rally again.
He gained the following three units 11-6, 11-7, and 12-10, securing a 3-1 victory and incomes a spot within the quarterfinals. This victory marks a big achievement for Ogunkunle, as he turns into the second Nigerian participant to succeed in this stage within the para-table tennis competitors on the Paralympics.
Ogunkunle’s victory over Ozturk is especially noteworthy given the Turkish participant’s excessive world rating and his sturdy status within the sport. The Nigerian’s means to return again from a set down and win in opposition to such a formidable opponent highlights his ability and psychological toughness.
In the meantime, Nigeria’s success on the 2024 Paralympic Video games continues to develop, with Eniola Bolaji additionally making historical past by successful the nation’s first medal of the Video games.
Bolaji secured a bronze medal within the ladies’s singles SL3 para-badminton occasion, turning into the primary Nigerian and African athlete to realize this feat in Paralympic badminton.
Bolaji’s success, together with Ogunkunle’s spectacular efficiency, underscores the power and willpower of Nigeria’s para-athletes at these Video games.
As Ogunkunle prepares for his quarterfinal match, the nation shall be eagerly watching to see if he can proceed his exceptional run and add to Nigeria’s medal tally.