ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open: Indian player says Nigerians hospitable

Yadav Abhishek, an India table tennis player at the ongoing Seamaster ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open in Lagos, says Nigerians are “very hospitable people’’.

Abhishek made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere in Lagos venue of the competition.

NAN reports that 170 players from 27 countries are participating in the ITTF challenge.

The 46,000 dollars prize money is the second highest paying tournament in the ITTF Challenge series and it served off on Aug. 8 to end on Aug. 12.

Abhishek said he was overwhelmed by the manner the people he met since his arrival on Tuesday in Lagos related with him.

“I am here for the ITTF Challenge and I am very happy to be in Nigeria because it’s a country I have longed to visit.

“Visiting Nigeria is a great achievement and an interesting experience for me; the people are hospitable, friendly and always ready to help which has made my stay worthwhile.

“Most of us from foreign countries in this tournament have the same impression about Nigerians because we relate to one another about our experience,” the table tennis player said.

On his assessment of the tournament, Abhishek said he was impressed with the standard of the competition venue, facilities, officiating and spectators.

The Indian added that he took advantage of his interactions with some Nigerians to learn some simple Yoruba language.

“I can now greet in simple Nigerian Yoruba language like, ‘ekaro, ekabo, odabo’, I use these greetings to relate with those I meet, they will laugh and correct me,” the player said full of smiles.

“This is a well-organised and commendable tournament and it has given me the opportunity to compete with top ranked players in the world.