Nigeria will host an international table tennis tournament from Aug. 26-31 in Lagos as part of the activities lined up to revive the game in the country.

The country has not organized any international competition since 1991.

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) have approved the championship to hold at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere in Lagos.

The tournament is expected to feature players from Nigeria, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, Cameron, Congo Brazzaville, Congo DRC, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Lithuania, Senegal, Tunisia, Ukraine, Finland, China, Russia, Portugal, Togo, Benin Republic and Italy.

Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) Enitan Oshodi said Tuesday that they are ready to host a memorable competition that will stand the test of time in the history of Nigerian sports.

Oshodi, who also doubles as the president of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) told reporters that his board will resuscitate the dwindling fortune of the sport.

Winners in the men's and women's singles will get 5,000 U.S dollars and 4,000 dollars respectively, while players that reach the round of 16 of the singles events will get cash rewards.

Meanwhile, Former African Champions, Segun Toriola and Funke Oshonaike will spearhead Team Nigerian quest for honors in the main draw of the first Lagos International Table Tennis Classics.

Toriola, a six-time Olympian will be joined in the men's team by Portugal-based Aruna Quadri, former junior sensation, Ojo Onaolapo and rave of the moment, Kazeem Makanjuola.

For the women's team, Germany-based Oshonaike, a five-time Olympian will lead the team and Edem Offiong, Janet Effiom and National Sports Festival champion, Rasheedat Ogundele, will join her as they confront other top players at the event. Endit

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