The very close defeat could well be a portent for the future; the young man believes that in the not too distant future, he can win the men singles title at the ITTF Challenge Plus Nigeria Open.

“I am confident that in not a distant time I can emerge as champion of this tournament, competing this year has really increased my confidence. I am hoping that I can learn more from the top players.” Usman Okanlawon

Notably in the group stage of proceedings he beat Amadi Omeh, also from Nigeria; he won in five games succeeding by the very narrowest of margins (9-11, 11-5, 11-8, 3-11, 12-10). In the fifth game he was cheered by the fans who delighted in his efforts.

“This is my first time to play against Amadi. I was told that I should play with confidence and so I did. I was competing in the senior category for the first time, I hope to see myself in the final and meet the likes of Quadri Aruna and the rest of them. I am happy I defeated my opponent.” Usman Okanlawon

A bright young man and one wonders could he take the African continent to even greater heights than those currently being achieved by Egypt’s Omar Assar and Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna?