Having claimed the women’s singles title in the last three editions of the annual Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Cup, Bose Odusanya is not ready to surrender the laurel this year particularly that a star prize is at stake for the golden jubilee anniversary of the competition.

 

Despite her dominance of the tournament, Odusanya is yet to convince the national handlers to get a call-up to the national camp but the three-time Asoju Oba Cup champion believes she is destined to clinch the mouthwatering prize for the tournament.

Like Ganiat Ogundele, who was the last player to dominate the women’s singles for more than six years, Odusanya is itching toward equaling Ogundele’s record in the longest running table tennis tournament in Africa.

“I have trained well for this competition and I am not scared of any player because nothing can stop me from retaining my title. There is no doubt that this year’s tournament will be tough considering what is at stake for the winners of the titles. I am looking forward to lifting the trophy again on Friday November 30 with the hope of setting new record in the tournament,” she said.

Also, like Odusanya, Rilwan Akanbi, winner of the men’s singles in 2016 is ready to rub shoulders with some of the top stars listed for the tournament this year.

National junior champion, Azeez Solanke is also in line for the top prize after his disastrous outing at the last Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.

“I am looking forward to a good outing this year because I have missed out from the title at several occasions particularly losing the title in 2016 after leading 3-0. I am in top shape and I am confidence that I can wrestle with the best in this competition. I am happy that this year will be bigger and I must commend the family of late Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas for ensuring that this tournament holds after the demise of the initiator,” Solanke said.