by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer
The class two student of Kwanyako Roman Catholic Junior School in Central Ghana believes he has the quality to become the biggest export for his country.
Now he is already looking forward to the African Youth, Junior and Cadet Championships which commence on Sunday 7th April.
“I am so excited winning the title; my toughest match was the semi-final against Nigeria’s Mustapha Mustapha. We trained together at the Africa Western Region Hopes Training Camp last year, so he knows my game. The fact last year that I beat him at the Hopes tournament 3-0 did not stop him from him trying to prevent me from winning the title. He is such a talented and skillful player who is very tactical on table. Having overcome him, I had the confidence that I can claim the title.” Ibrahim Gado Nuhu
Notably Ibrahim Gado Nuhu hails from a sporting family, his father a sportsman of some renown.
“I used to play football like my father who was a former Liberty FC of Accra star before he retired. There was a day that my father called me that he a dream that I should take to table tennis because I will have more opportunities in the sport.” Ibrahim Gado Nuhu
Most certainly in Accra the 11 year old seized the opportunity and hopes one day to follow in the footsteps of his role models.
“I love Timo Boll because we both use the left hand and I love Quadri Aruna because of his powerful forehand which distinguishes him across the world. I love his manner on the table and I want to take his place as the best African player in years to come. “Ibrahim Gado Nuhu
Successful but also very humble, he explained to Nathaniel Kwesi Somuah, Media Officer Ghana Table Tennis Association after his victory that he was grateful to his supporters.
“I want to thank all Ghanaians for their prayers and support. Our president Mawuko Afadzinu has done well for us by bringing this tournament to us. Our coaches trained us well and our current senior players gave us a lot of support during our training camps. I want to thank my parents, coach Kwame Ampofo and the other coaches for helping me reach this far, all the people of Agona Kwanyarko and most especially Ghana Table Tennis Association. This gold medal is dedicated to all Ghanaians and it is a sign that we are ready to lift the flag of Ghana high.” Ibrahim Gado Nuhu
