In April, the ITTF announced Musa Mustapha as the No.1 ranked table tennis player in the world in the U-11 boys category. In this interview, tells ’TOSIN OLUWALOWO about his journey so far, why he chose table tennis ahead of other sports, his dreams and more
When did you start playing table tennis?
I started playing table tennis in 2017. I started playing outside on the streets with stick and a make-shift table with my friends and then one day I followed my father to the table tennis hall and from there I started playing and started training.
Why did you choose table tennis ahead of other sports?
I like table tennis because it’s a game that is so easy to play. I also like the fact that I’m the only one playing it, unlike the contact sports like football where you have people around you who struggle with you and you contact each other.
What was the first local and international tournament you attended?
The first time tournament I took part in was the Mini-cadet Table Tennis Championships in Lagos in 2018. Being my first tournament, I knew I could not win, but I just wanted to play and see what it means like to be in a competition. My first international tournament was also the 2018 ITTF Nigeria Open in Lagos. I played with different good players and had some experience playing against my mates.
How was it like playing against kids from other countries?
It was different playing against boys from other countries because of their technique. They were playing with styles I had never seen before. I played my best, never gave up and fought for all the points in the game because I knew they were boys like me.
When was the first time you played table tennis outside Nigeria?
My first time of playing outside Nigeria was at the 2019 ITTF Junior Circuit in Ghana. I was very happy travelling out of the country for the first time. I was also happier because we won the tournament. At first, my body was shaking because I knew there were some good players in the tournament, but later, I started fighting and I started to gain more confidence.
What has been the support like from your parents towards your table tennis career?
They have been very supportive right from when my brother and I started playing table tennis, and have been sponsoring us for all the tournaments we have attended. They have also been taking us to trainings and providing all the needed kits for us.
You are ranked No.1 in the world in U-11 boys, also 19th in U-13 boys and 98th in the U-15 boys. How does it feel being the best in the world?
I feel happy being the No.1 in the world, but I also know that it requires I train more to maintain my form and go into tournaments in my best shape.
How did you celebrate being the No.1 player in the world?
I was just happy receiving the news, I didn’t do anything special.
Is there any additional pressure when you go for competitions being the No. 1 player in the world?
Yes. I know most of my mates want to beat me. To overcome this pressure I keep training, I don’t get scared and always know that I can still be better than what I am at the moment.
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