2024 Paralympic: Nigeria’s Isau Ogunkunle Rakes In Bronze Table Tennis Medal

Nigeria’s Isau Ogunkunle has raked in a bronze medal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France.

This has made the country secure the first Singles Paralympic Medal Since Sydney 2000, owing to Ogunkunle’s outstanding performances in the Men’s singles Class 4.

Back then, Tajudeen Agunbiade and Alabi Olufemi brought home gold and bronze, respectively, in the Class 9 Men’s Singles. Ogunkunle has reignited the nation’s legacy in the sport, securing Nigeria’s fifth medal at Paris 2024.

Although his run for gold came to an end in the semifinals, where he faced Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Kim Young-Gun, Ogunkunle put up a valiant fight before falling short, losing 3-1.

The Ogun State athlete’s road to the semifinals was filled with standout moments.

In the Round of 16, he delivered a stunning upset by defeating reigning Paralympic champion Abdullah Ozturk of Turkey, 3-1 (6-11, 11-6, 11-7, 12-10).

He followed this with an impressive 3-1 victory (9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-6) over France’s Maxime Thomas, a Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist, in the quarterfinals, securing his place in the final four and guaranteeing Nigeria a historic singles medal.