Kwara-born table tennis player Tobi Matti has intensified preparations towards qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as he continues to build his professional career in Italy.
The 25-year-old athlete, who has spent over five years competing in the European circuit, said representing Nigeria at the Olympics remains the biggest ambition of his career.
Speaking with PUNCH Sports Extra, Matti explained that his drive to compete at the Games has continued to shape his career despite the challenges associated with professional table tennis.
“My goal is to participate in the 2028 Olympics and also compete in several international tournaments. That ambition has kept me going despite the difficulties involved in progressing at this level,” he said.
Matti, who currently plays for TT Centro Sportivo Bonacossa in Italy, lamented the lack of sponsorship support, noting that he has largely financed his career personally.
According to him, the absence of adequate financial backing has made participation in international tournaments and training camps increasingly difficult.
“My experience pursuing professional table tennis abroad has been demanding because there is little or no sponsorship support,” he added.
The Nigerian player began his table tennis journey at the age of eight before studying Business Administration at Kwara State Polytechnic.
Over the years, he has represented Nigeria in several international competitions, including the ITTF Nigeria Open from 2013 to 2018, the 2019 Portugal Open, and the Africa Senior Table Tennis Team Championship.
Matti also enjoyed success in Europe after helping TT Ennio Cristofaro secure a league title following years of near misses.
Reflecting on the triumph, he credited consistency and persistence for the breakthrough.
“Winning the league title was not easy. For about three years, we kept finishing second and third before eventually emerging champions,” he said.
In the just-concluded season, the Nigerian finished fourth with Tennistavolo Torre del Greco ASD, maintaining his steady rise within Italy’s competitive table tennis scene.
Beyond his achievements abroad, Matti has also contributed to grassroots sports development in Kwara State through donations of table tennis equipment to young players.
He stressed the need for stronger financial support for Nigerian athletes, describing table tennis as an expensive sport that requires sustained investment.
“Nigeria has plenty of talents, but players need support to attend tournaments and training camps because table tennis is expensive,” he said.
Matti expressed optimism that his continued growth in Europe would boost his chances of securing qualification for the 2028 Olympics and representing Nigeria on the global stage.
