Nigeria table tennis star Ojo Onaolapo talks about his fledging career and more in this interview with IDRIS ADESINA
How did you get into table tennis?
I started playing the game when I was little. My father really wanted me to play, so I started from the streets in Ondo State. Later in 2005 someone advised me to go to the stadium to learn more about the game and that’s how I got deeply into it.
Now that you have moved from the junior cadre to the senior level, what do you hope to achieve?
My hope is that I will become a great player in the world. I also hope to win the All African Games, Commonwealth Games and even the Olympics because there’s nothing impossible in table tennis. You just have to keep training and keep your focus. That’s it.
At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, you had the best moment of your career so far, how did you feel with the bronze medal win?
I was very happy though. This is because people never expected any medal from table tennis, so I was very happy.
You removed your shorts as you celebrated your victory over the Indian in Glasgow. Why did you do that?
That day remains the happiest of my life. But I was not the one who removed my shorts. People really think it was me because I and he really looked alike in that picture. It was Quadri Aruna who actually removed his shorts and I believe it was because he was happy and excited. I also celebrated in my own way too. I rolled on the floor because that day was a joyous one for us all.
You moved to Italy this year after winning the NTTF League with Sunshine Table Tennis Club. What necessitated your move to Italy?
The move to Italy was necessary because I want to improve my skills. More so I wanted to play many more matches so that I will be able to qualify to attend the Professional Tours next year. You see, playing time and exposure are the two necessary things in the life of a table tennis player.
You also recently won your first title in Italy after beating an Italian, Bisi Paolo. How will this affect your game positively in the country?
That match was another surprise to me because Paolo is a very good player and has more experience than I have. Beating him to win the Italian title also made me happy. It just gave me the needed motivation and also told me that there is nothing impossible to achieve if I set my mind on it.
How do you view the rivalry between Nigeria and Egypt on the African continent?
Nigeria used to be better than Egypt in the past but the Egyptians have been ruling Africa now for a while in all categories because they spent a lot in the development of the youth aspect of the game. This is because our country had been lagging behind in some areas. But the present administration of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation is seriously planning to better the game and I pray that God crowns their effort with success. We can see what Quadri did this year. Also, our federation president is spending his money to take the game to the next level because the government is not giving enough support to table tennis. I think we will get back to winning ways soon as a lot of young Nigerians are springing up from Ondo and Lagos states. The hard work is now in progress to regain our position back in Africa.
Quadri Aruna has been in top form recently and you are also working hard on yours. What do you think you can learn from him?
I have learnt a lot from him. I have to work hard on my skills as well because he worked on his own skills as well. What I also learnt is a lot of smart work and hard work. He is lucky to bring his wife to Italy because here, it is not easy to live alone. I also need to put God first in all I do.
The All Africa Games is next year. Do you see Nigeria winning all the medals at stake in table tennis?
I believe we can do better than we did at the last All Africa Games. With or without me in the team, Nigeria has the right players to win as many medals as possible in any competition we set our sight on. I believe next year’s AAG will be good for us.
What is your personal target for the All African Games next year?
If I make the team, my target is to win the Men Singles title and any other title I can.
You played in the NTTF pilot league before your move to Italy. How will you compare the level of the league and the Italian league?
It is very different. The difference is because the people here (Italy) are mainly professionals but the one in Nigeria allows for amateurs too. But with time and more sponsorship, I believe the Nigeria table tennis league will grow.
How can the NTTF improve more on what they have done so far?
The NTTF should keep doing what they have been doing. I believe the best way to improve is for more people to come to the aid of the federation. The president and his people have good ideas for the game but they need more people to sponsor programmes and help increase the popularity and level of the game. Money will help the NTTF do better than they have done presently.
What are your plans for next year for club and country?
My plan is to keep my head in the game. I also aim to try hard to play good matches and also to win as many titles and cups for my club as possible. If my game is also good enough, I hope to attract a bigger club here in Europe. My plan for Nigeria also is to make the country proud and to take our top position back in Africa.
In your young career so far, who will describe as your toughest opponent?
Everybody I have played against is good. I believe if u work hard you can beat anybody but because the other players too is working hard to beat you. I guess I can’t say which of them has been the toughest one because everybody is just playing fine with his own experience and determination.
The females have often said they don’t have the same opportunity as male players have…
Sorry, I believe that I am not really in the right position to answer that. But I doubt if that is the case.
If you have not been playing table tennis, what other job would you have done?
I will probably be in school studying to be able to work in big company as my wish or as God wishes.
The game is not yet fetching much money for the local players, how do you think the money can come in for them to remain in the sport?
What I can only say about that is that our president is really trying for table tennis in the country. The home-based players are now getting some money in any competition they play. It’s not like before when there was hardly any competition not to talk of money. Now there are many competitions but if they want to get more money, they have to work hard in Nigeria so that they can get clubs outside the country or make it to the national team which will also enable them to attend more international competitions where they can prove themselves like Quadri did, which we all are proud of.
You are now 20 years old, when do you think you can quit the sport?
I don’t think of quitting but as soon as I notice that I am not playing well anymore or getting old in the game, I will quit.
Where do you see yourself in seven years?
In seven years I wish to be a better player and also a richer person in all I am doing by God’s grace.
Nigeria has not been doing too well at the Olympics, So what do you think we can achieve at the next one in Rio considering your present form?
I believe that we have not been doing badly at the Olympics. Rio is just going to be great for the players that will be in the team. If I make the team then I aim to win an Olympic medal.
Your greatest match till date is against Sharath Achanta of India at the Commonwealth Games. How will you describe that match?
I will describe it as a surprise not only because it was a great match but because people didn’t believe I could beat Sharath but I did it with God, so I thank the Lord.
What are your best and worst moments in the sport?
The best moment of my career so far was making the national team. It wasn’t easy because there are many good players in the country waiting to get into that team. The worst? Let’s skip that area. Don’t let us talk about the worst.
What do you have to say to young table tennis players who want to be like you?
They should keep trying hard and praying. Hard work and prayer lead to success.
What has been your greatest pillar or driving force since you started table tennis?
Winning my first tournament has been the start of the drive for more success since I began playing table tennis. The tournament told me that I could do more and I pray to achieve more successes.
Who are the people who have stood by you since you began playing and kept encouraging you?
There are many people but my mother, coach and friends have been very supportive. Also Offhung Sports Foundation have been helping me since this last Pro Tour in Nigeria, so I have to say thanks to the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mr Akiode.
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