Winning African Games my greatest achievement – Omotayo

Olajide Omotayo, the 2019 African Games table tennis champion, reflects on his career, identifying his gold medal victory as the pinnacle of his achievements. This triumph, secured by defeating seasoned Nigerian legends Segun Toriola and Quadri Aruna, provided Omotayo with immense confidence and a belief in his ability to compete at the highest level of the sport.

“

Beating Segun Toriola and Quadri Aruna was a very big moment for me. These are players I grew up watching and learning from, so to defeat them on my way to winning gold at the African Games is something that will stay with me for a long time. It gave me confidence and showed me that I truly belong at the highest level.

However, Omotayo also candidly discusses the challenges that followed his success. The pressure to replicate his African Games performance, coupled with a lack of consistent funding for international tournaments, significantly hampered his ability to improve his world ranking. This experience underscores a persistent issue within Nigerian sports: the gap between achieving national glory and securing the resources needed for sustained international competitiveness.

“

Winning the African Games was my greatest achievement, but it also came with a lot of pressure. People expected more immediately after that. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, I couldn’t participate in enough international tournaments, which affected my world ranking. So while it was a breakthrough moment, it also showed me how important consistent support is at this level.

Looking ahead, Omotayo remains driven by a desire for further success. His experiences playing in Europe have been instrumental in refining his technical and mental game, offering valuable insights into the importance of structured training environments and facilities. He aspires to elevate his world ranking and make a more significant mark on the global stage, demonstrating the enduring ambition of Nigerian athletes despite systemic challenges.

“

Playing in Europe has shaped my career significantly. I’ve trained in several high-level centres, which has improved my game both technically and mentally. It also made me realise how important structure and facilities are—something I ho