Offiong Edem has made History as the first Nigerian to win the European Cup Women’s Table Tennis title. Interestingly, it was also the first European title for her club – ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari club.
The 36-year-old table tennis star is Nigeria’s second-ranked table-tennis star and 142nd in the world.
According to reports, the Italian team clinched victory in both legs, with a 3-2 win in the first match and a 3-0 win in the second match.
However, the Nigerian history-maker bounced back from an opening set defeat to beat Maria Fazekas 3-1 (5-11, 10-12, 7-11, 7-11) in the second leg after she had thrashed the Hungarian 3-0 (6-11, 6-11, 8-11) in the first leg.
“I’m so happy we won the European Cup Women’s Table Tennis title. I’m proud of everyone and I’m so overwhelmed,” Edem said.
“We approached every match with the same level of focus and intensity as we did in the first leg, but this time, we were even better….we had studied them very well and knew how to overcome them.”
Born on December 31, 1986, the professional-table-tennis player represented Nigeria at the 2004, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. She also qualified to represent Nigeria at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Offiong Edem has won five golds, two silvers, and one bronze medal at the 2007, 2011, and 2015 All-Africa Games singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team competitions.