By Esther Thorli

The Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association (SLTTA) on Thursday, April 3, 2026, officially presented 17-year-old British-Sierra Leonean athlete Naomi Coker to the President of the National Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE), Prince Vandy Sualley, in a significant step forward for the sport.

The presentation, held at the NOC/CGA-SLE headquarters on 13 Walpole Street in Freetown, marks Naomi’s formal commitment to represent Sierra Leone in upcoming international competitions, a move widely seen as a major boost to the country’s table tennis ambitions.

Welcoming the delegation, NOC Secretary General Ahmed Khanou expressed delight in hosting Naomi, her father and coach, Mr. Coker, and SLTTA President Aminata Turay. Also present were the Dean of the National Olympic Academy, Alie Gibril Koroma, and Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission, Mohamed Kamarain.

Speaking on the purpose of the visit, SLTTA President Aminata Turay confirmed that Naomi and her father had committed to representing Sierra Leone on the international stage, describing the development as a major milestone for table tennis in the country.

Naomi’s father and coach expressed appreciation to both the SLTTA and the NOC for their encouragement and support, noting his daughter’s steady rise in the sport.

“I’ve been working closely with her and have seen her rapid improvement. She is a national champion in England, and now that she represents our country, I am a proud father,” he said. “We shared her performance videos with the SLTTA and the NOC President, and their positive response led us here today. We are here to represent Sierra Leone, and I am very proud of her decision.”

He also acknowledged the NOC’s support in securing a coaching scholarship, which he said has enhanced his capacity to guide his daughter’s development.

For her part, Naomi Coker expressed readiness for the challenge ahead, highlighting her rigorous daily training routine and enthusiasm about competing internationally under Sierra Leone’s flag. She also thanked officials for the warm reception she has received since arriving in the country.

In his remarks, NOC/CGA-SLE President Prince Vandy Sualley revealed that efforts to bring Naomi on board have been ongoing for over three years, beginning with initial contact and sustained engagement.

“We recognized early on the passion Mr. Coker has for his daughter to represent Sierra Leone, and that commitment has driven this process,” he said.

Sualley noted that Naomi previously represented England at the junior level, explaining that switching national allegiance involves procedural requirements. However, he disclosed that she has already competed once for Sierra Leone and delivered an impressive performance.

“With continued training, I have no doubt she will bring laurels to Sierra Leone,” he stated. “Our responsibility as a committee is to identify and nurture talents, including those in the diaspora. We are actively working across various sports to attract athletes capable of excelling internationally.”

He further emphasized the importance of diaspora engagement in national sports development, adding that Naomi’s decision to represent Sierra Leone is both commendable and inspiring.

“The sacrifice is significant, as she could have continued representing England at the highest level. Choosing Sierra Leone means a lot to us, and we will continue to support and appreciate such commitment,” Sualley concluded.

Naomi Coker’s inclusion is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s presence in international table tennis, while also highlighting the growing impact of diaspora athletes in the country’s sporting development.