By Andrew Abah, Abuja
Action continues Thursday at the 19th Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games taking place at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Complex Abuja with the final of table tennis, men’s singles between Keye Surajudeen Adekunle, representing NNPC and Oyewole Olusegun of Chevron Nigeria Limited as the most anticipated.
The NNPC representative defeated pre-games favourite and NOGIG 2020 silver medalist Joseph Adebayo of NCDMB in straight sets 11/8, 11/7and 11/8.
It was an epic semifinal clash and the biggest match of the day as the contestants kept the spectators in jam-packed Indoor Sports Hall on the edges of their seats.
After the match the victorious Adekunle acknowledged the playing capacity of his opponent, adding that he had known him long before the match.
“We have known each other for long. He is a very good player. At times he beats me too. Today was my day.”
He said what gave him the day was good preparation, determination and being tactically superior.
He added that he was actually prepared for his opponent long before they met. “After seeing the draw, I knew we were going to meet in the semi final. So, I was better prepared and, like I said earlier, we know each other too well.”
He said he was prepared for the final as he will be up against the defending champion “Last edition, I was not able to get to the final because I was walked over. But this is a different scenario altogether.”
His opponent in the final and defending champion, Oyewole Olusegun, representing Chevron is a man of few words. He said he remains focused on retaining his gold medal. READ ALSO:
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“It’s going to be a little bit tough,” he started. “My opponent is a left handed player, and his type are usually difficult to beat.. But I am going to face him, as he comes because I am not going to let go of my gold medal..”
In the veterans category of tennis event, Ibiba Williams of NNPC came from behind to defeat Chinedy Idike of ExxonMobil 1/6, 6/2, 10/8 to win the gold medal. NNPC were at it again when the pair of Awin Ganjang and Udofa defeated the pair of Fola/Oladeli of NCDMB 6/2, 7/5 to win another gold for NNPC.
