Following her loss to Nimota Aregbesola of Lagos state at the ongoing 19th NSF, Akwa Ibom State’s Olufunke Oshonaike said will continue to play the game at any level as long as her body permits.
It was a shocking Monday for the Former African champion as sheexited the game at the quarterfinal stage of the women’s singlestable tennis event with a 3-4 (9-11,12-10,11-7,6-11,3-11,12-10,12-4) loss to the youngster.
However, the German based Oshonaike said she won’t quit the game for the opinions of critics and added she never regret her decision to participate in the Abuja games.
“Nobody can tell me which competition to compete in as long as my body is still active to play. People were saying why did I come for the festival?, Let me say that I enjoy playing at the festival and it’s not a big deal that I lost out in the quarter finals.“
“This is a game where a winner must emerge. I’m happy to be an inspiration to the younger ones .I feel fulfilled in this game and won’t bother what the critics are saying. Although I’m sad that I didn’t win gold medal for my adopted state, Akwa Ibom but deep down my heart, I love Akwa Ibom.” she said.
Meanwhile, Aregbesola who will now tackle Ajoke Ojomu of Abujain the semi-final of the women’s single said she surprised herself in the tournament and hope she can clinch the gold medal after the epic win.
“I can’t believe that I won this match. I feel like I’m dreaming. I never thought I could beat her when we started the game. I thank God that because beating a top player like Funke Oshonaike at this stage of my table tennis career is a big achievement.“
“During the match, I was just praying, so I’m satisfied with the victory and I hope I can win gold in the singles at the end. She is my role model; she is a player I look up to playing someday with but not to the extent of beating her. I must confess, it’s just like a dream for me.”
The post NSF: I’m not quitting table tennis sooner, Oshonaike replies critics appeared first on Latest Sports News In Nigeria.
