Tokyo Paralympics: Agunbiade, Alabi seek final ticket in table tennis

The Nigerian duo defeated their opponents from the United States 2-1 in the round of 16 and handed Montenegro a 3-0 defeat to land in the semis.

Nigeria faces Team Australia in the semi-finals today while a victory guarantees a gold or silver medal for Team Nigeria.

Agunbiade lost to USA’s Leibovitz Tahl 3-0 (7-11; 5-11; 8-11) in their engagement, Olufemi Alabi tied back Nigeria’s chance with a 3-1 defeat of Ian Seindenfeld I (7-11; 11-7; 11-9; 11-6) before the Nigerians proceeded to win the doubles in two straight sets.

In the quarter-finals, Agunbiade went hard against Bakic Luka with a 3-nil set victory while Radovic Filip shied away from Olufemi Alabi.

The doubles was to be hard fought but the Nigerians prevailed with the first set handicap to finish at 3-2 sets win (8-11; 11-6; 1-11; 11-8; 11-8).

Team Australia featuring Joel Coughlan and Ma Lin defeated France 3-0 to book a showdown with Team Nigeria.