Edem Offiong may have been playing second fiddle to Egyptian players in the last two years, but the African Games women’s singles defending champion believes nothing can prevent her from holding on to the title when the table tennis event serves off at the 2015 African Games in Congo Brazzaville.
Offiong who could not feature at the last ITTF Africa Senior Cup in Cameroon due to academics commitment told Sportinglife yesterday that she is aware of the threat that the Egyptians particularly the current African women champion, Dina Meshref might pose to her ambition in Brazzaville but she is in good shape to battle them.
“I know that many people believe that the Egyptians are the best but I am also aware of their skills and quality. But when we get to Brazzaville we will know the best players because I cannot afford to relinquish my title. I know it is not going to be easy but I am in good shape for the championship as nobody can take my title from me,” she said.
Offiong said the ongoing training has really helped her to tune up for the championship, adding that with few weeks to the competition, the entire team would be in top shape.
“We are really working hard in training and they coaches are really helping a lot. I am sure that before the competition all of us will be at our best for the games. I am sure that this year’s competition will be tougher than the previous ones because everybody is hoping to qualify for the Olympics in Brazzaville,” Offiong added.
Like Offiong, member of the technical crew, Michael Oyebode experessed satisfaction with the respond of the players in camp, saying, “The players’ performance so far is encouraging and they are all working hard to ensure that they are in top form for the game,” Oyebode said.