I can see that Nigerian players are very skillful and respectful at the table. This is one thing I think I have gained from them. Apart from that, I am here to have fun in Lagos, which is one of the most populous cities in the world
BLESSING Labanti and EmmanuellaYaa-Kyere are in the Ghanaian team at the ongoing ITTF Africa Western Region Championships.
It is the teenagers’ first trip outside the shores of their home country, Ghana. Understandably, therefore they are over the moon at their maiden inter-national experience at an ITTF regional tournament.
Labanti, a junior class two student of Arise International School, Accra Ghana, said this first voyage to Lagos would remain with her for a long time to come.
Despite her inability to compete favorably with some of the experienced players in the tournament, the 14-year-old said: “I am here to garner experience and learn from the older players. I started playing table tennis only six months ago. Since then I have been working hard to improve with each competition.
“My coming to Lagos is an experience I will cherish for life. I have been reading about Lagos but now I am here. It is my first time traveling out of Ghana. I am really impressed with what I have seen so far in Lagos, especially the hospitality of the people. Since we arrived in Lagos, we have been meeting wonderful people who are willing to help us at all times. I hope I can make use of the few days we have left to tour the city. It is indeed a warm city,” she said.
For a 13-year-old aa-Kyere, coming to Lagos has been an eye-opener in terms of picking up new skills in table tennis. Her words: “I am really happy to be part of this tournament because this is my first time playing in an international competition as well as traveling outside Ghana.
“I can see that Nigerian players are very skillful and respectful on the table. This is one thing I think I have gained from them. Apart from that, I am here to have fun in Lagos, which is one of the most populous cities of the world,” she said.