Chinedu Nick and Ahmed Koleosho are debutants at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games but they are not limited by their appearance as they are eager to make a mark in Brazil.
Nick qualified through a tripartite slot while giant-killing Kolesho defied odds to berth at his first Paralympic Games.
The duo told NationSport on Tuesday that they are eager to prove their mettle against their counterparts at the games, while hoping for more support from the Ministry of Sports in terms of facilities.
“I actually started table tennis in 2008 and I am so excited that within eight years, I am taking part in my first Paralympic Games. I must admit that I was lucky to have qualified through the tripartite arrangement because I had given up hope until all my points in major competitions were considered before being given the slot. I have been training hard and I hope and believe I can clinch gold medal in the class four category of the Paralympic Games,” Nick said.
Unlike Nick, Koleosho who started table tennis four years ago, has broken all records after beating national champion, Oluade Igbilola and went ahead to conquer the African champion, Egypt’s Aly Mohamen Nasr to secure his place at the games. “I am yet to come to terms that within four years, I am playing at the Paralympic Games and this is the first time and for me it is awesome. But my going to Brazil will not just be to participate. I am going there to compete and win medal which I believe is possible,” the University of Lagos graduate said.