Africa number 3 player, Omotayo Olajide told said that 2019 was his year of breakthrough. Olajide said he was able to beat big names in the world of Table Tennis in 2019.
The Nigeria number two said winning gold at the 2019 African Games in Morocco at my first appearance shock table tennis lovers across the globe adding that it boosted his morale.
He said, “2019 is a year of breakthrough for me. I started this year being ranked 232 in the world and I am going to end this year being ranked 85 in the world and ranked number 3 in Africa. This feat can only be attributed to God because nobody saw this coming.
“The improvement in my ranking is a big motivation to me and I am going to make use of it in a positive way. Still in this year, I was able to win with the big names in Africa this year which made me realize that I also have what it takes to be among the best”.
He further said, “Winning gold at the 2019 African Games in Morocco really means a lot to me. I could remember vividly at the previous All African Games held in Congo, I was unable to make the team back then and ever since have been dreaming and wanting to participate at the coming one.
“To God be the glory, I was able to make the team this year and I went there to win gold in my first appearance at the games. At the beginning of the tournament I was a bit anxious but on the long run I was able to control myself and focus on the ultimate prize.
“It was a big shock to all table tennis lovers across the globe, that Olajide Omotayo won and up till today, I still find myself reminiscing about how everything went down in Morocco. To be honest, the title has boosted my self confidence and I know more of it will come by God grace”.
The A.S.D Genova player said that he was able to gain a spot at the Italian training center for free heaping praises on his family, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and club side for contributing to his improvement in table tennis.
He said, “My club side, family and club side has been supportive. I was lucky to gain a spot at the Italian training center for free and my gratitude goes to the Italian federation for the privilege. The form has been there for years but God decided to make this year a memorable one for me.
He told www.aclsports.com that the ultimate target is to qualify for the Olympics.
Olajide said, “The target for year 2020 is to qualify for the Olympics and also improve my standard of playing. I know that this is the time for me to put aside any distraction and face my career with full attention and I am ready for what is ahead and may God continue to guide and lead me through.
“It takes the grace of God to dominate but I know I will do my part and leave the rest to him. We have so many good players in Africa and I am happy am one of them”.
