We can break the jinx this year, Toriola assures

Nigerians may clinch the 2016 ITTF Premier Lotto Nigeria Open to break the jinx of not winning the competition since inception.
Africa’s most decorated table tennis player, Segun Toriola, says there is a possibility of Nigerian players dominating this year’s tournament.
Twice they have made it to the final of the ITTF Premier Lotto but lost. And with just a few days to the latest kick off, Toriola, former African champion, believes the title will not be beyond the reach of his compatriots.
Toriola, a finalist at the 2013 edition, said Nigerian players have the wherewithal to claim the laurel, stressing that Egypt’s Omar Assar has been “extra-ordinarily lucky” to have won the title three times.
“I think Nigerian players have always been capable of winning the title in all the three editions of the competition. It was just that we were unlucky not to have won the title having made it to the final twice,” he added.
“I played in the final in 2013 and Aruna Quadri made it to the final in 2015. Apart from this, Nigerian players have always been making it to the semifinal stage.
“I believe we can win the title this year because most of the foreign-based players have been doing very well in their various clubs and the skills and talents of the local players cannot be underestimated.
Toriola, who is also former Commonwealth champion, will be at his seventh Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.
He expressed delight at the turnout of players, particularly from Europe, for the ITTF Premier Lotto, saying this would help raise the standard of the sport in Nigeria.
“I believe the presence of players across the globe particularly the ones from Europe will surely help our players who have not been playing against Europeans.
“The eyes of the world are now on Nigeria with the giant stride the country has made in the last four years by hosting such quality competition.
“I am hopeful that our players will surely gain from taking part in the tournament and the profile of the sport will continue to improve in the country.