Omotayo speaks ahead of 2024 Olympic Games

Olajide Omotayo, a talented Nigerian table tennis player, is optimistic about leaving a lasting impact at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11.

The 29-year-old athlete is preparing to participate in the prestigious international sporting event for the second time, a feat that occurs every four years.

Omotayo earned his spot at the Olympics by emerging victorious at the ITTF Africa qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda, in May, where he defeated Saheed Idowu of Congo Brazzaville in a convincing four-set match.

After being edged out in the first round during his debut at Tokyo 2020, when he lost 4-0 to Portugal’s Tiago Apolonia in the first round of the men’s singles event, Omotayo says he is determined to prove that he’s more than just a participant this time around.

“The last time, I was a contender even for the fact that I was having tears of joy while I was playing,” Omotayo told ATTF Media.

“This time around, it is time for business.”

Omotayo reflected on his journey to this year’s global showpiece as a breakthrough after hitting a low in the rankings before the qualifiers.

“My second appearance at the Olympics means a lot to me,” he said.

“It is not easy to qualify from Africa. We have so many good players in Africa now, and I was able to qualify. Looking at the ranking system, it affected me about a year ago. My ranking dropped significantly, and I wasn’t sure if I would be part of the second pick for Team Nigeria. But thankfully, I reclaimed my spot and qualified for the Rwanda qualifications. This opportunity means a lot to me.”

Omotayo, currently ranked 104th globally by the International Table Tennis Federation, will likely enter the 2024 Olympics in the round of 64, subject to the draw’s outcome.

“We cannot compare the Olympics to any other games. It was made to unite nations, and every athlete’s dream is to be at the Olympics and win a medal. The Olympics are one of a kind.”