by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Presently listed at no. 341 on the recently published Women’s World Rankings, Cecilia Akpan may not appear amongst the elite on duty in Lagos but, of those required to compete in the qualification tournament, she is very much a name to note.

Notably at the recent African Club Championships in Morocco, Cecilia Akpan remained unbeaten.

She spoke to Olalekan Okusan, the ITTF-Africa Press Officer

“For me this is another chance for us to prove that we can still rub shoulders with the world’s best.

The quality of the players this year is no doubt exceptional and in the history of the competition, this is the best assembly of players we have ever had. So it is time for us Nigerian players not to allow the visitors to come and cart away all the prize money and medals. We will surely hold them in all the events

After returning from Morocco, I have not missed any training because I know I must be at my best if I am hoping to contest with the foreigners in the competition. Things are working well for me and I am in top form and eager to commence my campaign in the preliminary stage which starts on 9th August. I will take each match as they come hoping that I will make it to the main draw where anything can happen.”