Nigeria's Olympics campaign in table tennis is over but not without some world recognition for the country's Segun Toriola.

The trio of Aruna Quadri, Toriola and Bode Abiodun were roundly beaten 3-0 by China in the men's team event.

Having proved bookmakers wrong in the singles' event in which Nigeria produced the first African to make it to the quarter finals, expectation were high in some quarters but the defending Olympic champions, China, gave no room for errors as they dominated the match from start to finish.

Quadri, who played the second game, was the only player who forced a fourth set against Ma Long ending their match at 3-1.

With the defeat, Table Tennis event has ended for Nigeria at these Games with the team ranked 9th. The women's team did not qualify for the team event.

Despite the disappointment of an early exit there was something to cheer on the night following the special recognition accorded legend, Toriola.

A colourful presentation was held at the Riocentro Pavilion 3 in Rio where Toriola was joined by three other table tennis stars that have competed in seven Olympic Games; Zoran Primorac (Croatia), Jörgen Persson (Sweden) and Jean-Michel Saive (Belgium) as well as ITTF helmsman.

For Toriola, he hopes that his award can inspire more athletes to aim for the best in their career.

"It is a privilege to be next to you both and receive such recognition. I am proud to be in the 7 club with such champions and I hope I can inspire more kids to start playing table tennis around the world. Thank you ITTF for this trophy and everyone for your kind words," an elated Toriola said after the award."

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