Funke Oshonaike To Critics: I Won’t Quit Playing Table Tennis!
Seven-time Olympian, Funke Osh0naike has told those who are asking her to retire from playing table tennis and give the younger ones a chance that she will
only acede to their request if she no longer enjoying the sport.
The 49 year old won a gold and two silver medals for Nigeria at the African Championships in Tunisia early this month and the pretty star says in a facebook
post she is baffled by the arguments of those who want her to quit playing.
‘To all of you that are not happy that I am still playing Table tennis at 49 years old and still good at it, I am sorry. But remember, God gave me this
talent and I am working hard everyday to be better and stronger even though sometimes it all hurts so much,’ began Funke who represented Nigeria at the
Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics.
She added: ‘Apology to some of you that are still thinking that I might be stopping the younger ones from playing for Nigeria.
‘I don’t know how that one makes sense to you but I am still sorry that I am still good at my age and still winning medals for my country Nigeria.
‘Table tennis is an individual event and I ain’t stopping nobody from defeating me or representing Nigeria. But unfortunately, we don’t have a younger better
Funke for now. I am still looking for a 16/17 years old that’s better than me.
‘For some of you that are saying that I should stop when the ovation is loud or high, I don’t understand that English though. I will sure stop when my body
cannot carry me again or when I am no more having fun again with TT.
‘If any younger ones defeat me now, it’s ok for me because that’s improvement and I have nothing to loose. I’ve been there done that, so it hurts no more like
that.
‘Thank God I didn’t listen to all you naysayers because if I had, I wouldn’t have won 3 Medals for my beloved country Nigeria last week at African
championship in Tunis.
‘I won a gold medal (which I haven’t won for a long time) and 2 silver medals for Nigeria. I was even very close to qualifying for the 2024 Olympics..
‘Thanks to all my critics and the naysayers. You make me work harder and more stubborn with my dream.
‘To all my supporters and fans all over the world. I just want to say a big THANK YOU to you all. You all put a big smile on my face . Eniyan l’aso mi (you
are all my clothes). I am grateful.
‘Special thanks to The giver of my talent, my God, my creator, my joy giver, my waymaker and my miracle working God. I am nothing without you’.
