by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF Africa Press Officer

The six-time Luxembourg champion believes her trip to Africa’s most populous nation will help her prepare for the new table tennis season in Europe; also, the 25 year old hopes to enjoy every moment of her stay in Nigeria.

“I have heard some good opinions about the tournament in Nigeria, the organisers cater well for the players; those who have already played there, always want to return to play there again. I decided to play in Nigeria because it will be the first competition for me after the summer break and it is a good chance to play there after the long preparation for the upcoming season.” Sarah de Nutte

Most certainly she is relishing the challenge.

“I’m very excited to go to Nigeria; it is the first time that I will go there. I like to visit a new country and see the culture but of course, first of all I am there to play table tennis. Until now I have only been once to Africa for table tennis that was in Morocco. So I’m looking forward to playing in front of a crowd I haven’t before. I have also heard that the food is quite spicy which on the other hand will be a challenge for me.” Sarah de Nutte

She has vivid and most pleasant memories of visits to Africa.

“I have been in Africa for holidays which, was twice in Egypt; for table tennis, I was in Africa once and that was at the Morocco Open where I won the Under 21 Women’s Singles and reached the semi-finals in the Women’s Singles event. My goal in Nigeria is to win a medal.” Sarah de Nutte

Presently, Sarah de Nutte is the fourth seed in the Women’s Singles event behind Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut, Hungary’s Szandra Pergel and Italy’s Giorgia Piccolin; in the Women’s Doubles she partners Suthasini Sawettabut.