Even before facing Nigeria in the second group match at the ongoing ITTF World Team Championships, Argentina’s Francisco Sanchi has admitted that the West African side would be a hard nut to crack.
The Germany-based Argentine told SportingLife.ng on Sunday that they were conversant with the exploits of Nigeria at global level and they know that playing against them will be their big task in Sweden.
“Nigeria and Slovakia are the two teams that will be difficult to play against in Sweden and the outcome against them will decide our fate in Group F. particularly we are very scared of the Nigerians because they have been playing well in recent times but we will not give up against them as we hope to try our best when we confront them tomorrow (Monday). There are very talented and the play with a lot of power with good forehand. But we will see what will happen when we meet but I must admit that it is a big task ahead of us,” Sanchi said.
The Argentine however expressed optimistic of their advancement to the second stage of the tournament.
Despite losing 2-3 to Germany in their first group match, Egypt had something to cheer as Nigeria Open Champion, Omar Assar was in superb form with victory over former world number, Timo Boll. The win ignited the venue of the competition as the fans cheered the Egyptian for doing the impossible against one of the most talented players in the world.