NIGERIAN Table Tennis legend, Segun Toriola has been honoured for being the first African across all sports to compete at Seven Olympic Games.
After being officially inducted into the 7’ Club at the Olympic Games, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) described Toriola as a global brand that deserved honour by the world table tennis ruling body.
Speaking at the celebration organized to honour the most decorated table tennis player in Africa, ITTF President, Thomas Wiekert believes the feat achieved by the Nigerian should be an inspiration to athletes across the world particularly in Africa.
At the colourful presentation held at the Riocentro Pavilion 3 in Rio, Toriola was joined by three other table tennis stars that have competed in seven Olympic Games; Zoran Primorac (Croatia), Jörgen Persson (Sweden) and Jean-Michel Saive (Belgium) as well as ITTF helmsman.
The presentation was made before the first round match in the men’s team event between Nigeria and China and the ITTF President said: “On behalf of the ITTF I would like to congratulate Segun Toriola on his 7th Olympic appearance.