Oshonaike, Diaw, Garci, others land in Tokyo

An excited Ibrahima Diaw of Senegal after picking a slot at Tokyo 2020 in Tunis on Friday February 28, 2020.
Ibrahima Diaw launched into frenzied celebrations here in Tunis following his surprise qualification for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after the Senegalese defeated Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri 4-2 to book his ticket to Japan.
Also, 18-year-old Fadwa Garci celebrate with her supportive father, Jalel, after the Tunisian sensation secured a seat on the Tokyo train,National Daily learnt .

However, the qualification of Africa’s highest ranked player in the world, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri, has been delayed following his withdrawal from the competition because of a recurring thigh injury which marred his second group tie against Diaw.

This development means that the Nigerian will secure his spot through the world ranking, being the only player in the top 20 that is yet to pick a slot in Tokyo.

Meanwhile Nigeria’s Olufunke Oshonaike etched her name in the annals as the first African female athlete to qualify for seven Olympic Games after the former African champion won all her matches to install herself among the four women who picked their slots to Japan in Tunis.

Oshonaike made her debut at Atlanta 1996 and has featured in all the Olympic Games till date.

Nigeria’s duo of Offiong Edem and Olajide Omotayo also secured their places at the multi-sports championship holding in Japan.

Other already on the train to Tokyo are Cameroun’s Sarah Hanffou, Tunisia’s Adam Hmam and Algeria’s Larbi Bouriah.