By Asare Asare, Daily post
Two female students of the University of Calabar have been selected for the world universities games holding in the city of Chengdu, China, from 28 July 2023.
They were selected following their outstanding performances during the trials held in Benin City a few days ago.
The students are 19-year-old 100-level Oluchi Philip Amah studying Political Science and Oku Vivian Ekpenyong of the Vocational Education department.
Both performed well during the Nigerian Universities Games, NUGA, last year, qualifying them for the Benin trials.
Speaking with DAILY POST, Vivian Ekpenyong, who has had two previous international competitive experiences, said that the China games will add to her increasing confidence and competence in the games.
“I have been to Thailand for the world junior table tennis tournament as well as to Ghana, where I proved my mettle.
“So I am going to China with loads of experience. I will not disappoint my school and my country.
“However, I want to humbly appeal to the private sector to come in and help us. They should see table tennis as a business. We need equipment. We can’t on our own afford them.”
However, for Oluchi, China is going to be her first international exposure.
She disclosed that she has previously played in two championships.
“I am very excited to be selected for this world universities games in China. I will make a better impact.”
Their coach, Solomon Boniface from the University of Calabar, was also selected as the best-performing coach who will lead the duo to the tournament.
Boniface said, “My girls came out very outstanding as the best during the NUGA and the selection in Benin. We had previously won 3 golds and many other laurels at other tournaments.”