Glasgow 2014: Toriola Inspires Nigeria to Team Table Tennis Bronze

Team Nigeria’s line-up of Segun Toriola, Ojo Onaolapo and Qadri Haruna came back from Sunday’s semi-final loss to Singapore to clinch the men’s team table tennis bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Nigeria completed a 3-1 overall victory over India in the best of five third-place match at Scotstoun Campus on Monday.

Toriola, 39, fresh from last night’s stunning defensive display against Ning Gao of Singapore, dominated Sharath Kamal Achanta three games to love in the opening singles match before Quadri, 25, doubled the advantage with a 3-1 humbling of Harmeet Rajuul Desai.

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Segun Toriola in Action During an All-African Games Match.
Segun Toriola in Action During an All-African Games Match.

The pair of 19-year-old Onoalapo and Toriola kept the national table tennis team in momentum, edging Anthony Arputharaj and Dejal 3-2 in the best of five doubles.

The Akure-born teenager then sealed bronze with another 3-1 performance over the returning Kamal Achanta.

Top seeds and defending champions Singapore won the repeat of the 2010 Games final against England later on Monday. Singapore won the contest 3-1, leaving England with silver for the second successive time.

Elsewhere in the athletics para-sport event, Richard Okigbazi claimed Nigeria’s third bronze in the Men’s F42/44 Discus Throw.

Okigbazi covered his best distance of 39.38m in second attempt to rank behind winner England’s Dan Greaves, who threw a best of 59.21m in the third round, and Team Wales’ captain Aled Davies, who peaked in the second round at a distance of 46.83m.

Nigeria have won eight medals- 2 gold, 3 silver and bronze medals- ( as at time of report) are ranked in 11th position in the medal table.