Other Sports
China’s Li Ping Set for Fireworks at ITTF Nigeria Open
In 2009, Li Ping represented his country of birth – China and his partnership with compatriot – Cao Zhen claimed the mixed doubles title at the World Championships in Japan.
Now he has changed nationality to Qatar and since switching to the Gulf nation, Li Ping has won some ITTF Tours and now he will visiting Africa for the first time to feature in the ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open ‘Lagos 2017’ on Wednesday and running through to Sunday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
However, the Qatari believes he looks forward to exciting firework in Lagos considering the quality of players listed for the five-day $46,000 prize money tournament.
“I expect the 2017 ITTF Nigeria Open to live up to its billing as one of the topmost tournaments on the ITTF Challenge Series. The quality of the players is quite strong this year and I look forward to some ‘firecrackers’ of skills and talents during the competition.
“This is my first trip to Africa and I’m happy to visit Nigeria as my first port of call in the continent. Nigeria has produced some great talents in table tennis and the country has a rich history when it comes to table tennis.
“I’m expecting to have a great time during the visit and to enjoy the tournament as much as possible,” he said.
On his intention to sign up for the tournament, Li Ping said: “The quality of the field as well as the opportunity to play in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, was what attracted me to this year’s Nigeria Open. One of Nigeria’s finest players, Aruna Quadri, has played at the Qatar Open many times and I have great respect for him.
“I would like to play him on his own turf as well and I will appreciate the opportunity of us meeting during the competition.”
“This year’s tournament parades a very strong field which is an indication of the interest it has generated across the world. I believe there has been a remarkable improvement and I think the tournament is going to keep improving yearly.
“Like I said earlier, Nigeria has produced so many great talents – Atanda Musa, Aruna Quadri, Segun Toriola, Bose Kaffo to mention but a few. Table tennis is very popular in Nigeria and I am glad to play there.”
On his immediate target in Lagos, the Qatari boasted: “I hope to win the tournament and lift the champion trophy at the end of the day. I’m well prepared and I’m ready to give it my best shot. I know it’s not going to be easy but I believe I am up to the task.”
History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.
Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”
He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.
Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.
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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.
The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.
“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.
He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.
In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.
She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.
The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.
Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.
It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.
In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.
Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.
Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.
“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”
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