Table Tennis
Nigeria, Iraq Dazzle at 2024 Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open
Hosts Nigeria and Iraq each claimed six gold medals, dominating the 2024 Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open, which concluded on Saturday, November 9, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
The ITTF Factor 20 tournament, held from November 7 to 9, featured competitors from the United Kingdom, Iraq, Iran, Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, participating in both singles and doubles events. Organized by the Sunday Odebode Foundation in collaboration with the Para Division of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and sponsored by ValueJet, this year’s tournament exceeded expectations.
Despite Nigeria’s strong performance throughout the tournament, the final day saw the visiting Iraqi team take center stage. The highlight was Muntadher Al Sarraji’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Paris 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medalist Isau Ogunkunle in the Men’s Singles Class 3-4 final. The match, witnessed by African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Deputy Alfred Bagueka, and Chairman of ValueJet Airlines Kunle Soname, ended with Al Sarraji silencing the home crowd with a 13-11 win in the deciding game.
In total, Nigeria and Iraq each secured six gold medals from the 12 events contested. The organizers have promised an even bigger tournament next year.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised the athletes for their remarkable performances and pledged continued support for the tournament and its participants. “Our athletes continue to break boundaries, proving that physical limitations cannot constrain the boundless potential within each individual. This tournament is not only a celebration of skill and competition but also an inspiring reminder of the strength, resilience, and courage that define our athletes,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu added, “This event has given our athletes the unique opportunity to highlight their God-given talents, raise their rankings, and compete with their peers from across Africa and beyond. We are fortunate to have the recognition and support of esteemed organizations like the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and the Africa Table Tennis Federation. Their endorsement has elevated the standards of this tournament, laid a strong foundation for continued growth, and increased participation. We are deeply grateful for their collaboration, which brings prestige and amplifies our collective efforts here in Lagos.”
This year’s tournament showcased the remarkable skills of physically challenged athletes, who demonstrated unwavering dedication and perseverance. The event also unearthed new talents who made their mark on the para table tennis scene.
“We are thrilled that the tournament continues to grow by leaps and bounds. The registration this year was impressive, and we are happy to see the event attracting more players worldwide,” said Sunday Odebode, President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN).
The Lagos State Government’s continued support for the tournament was evident, with officials in attendance to show solidarity with the athletes.
As the curtains close on the 2024 ValueJet Para Table Tennis Competition, athletes and organizers are already looking forward to next year’s edition. The event’s success has paved the way for Nigerian para table tennis players to make their mark on the international stage.
Pablo Perez, ITTF Para Manager, highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in para table tennis, which has motivated the ITTF to support the tournament as one of the sanctioned events in Africa. “We are particularly thrilled with the growth of para table tennis in Nigeria. The performance of Nigerian players in major international competitions is a testament to the country’s hard work. Nigeria is truly making a mark with Isau Ogunkunle being the only African medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. We are proud to witness another tournament this year and commend Odebode and his team for their efforts,” Perez stated.
Tournament referee Asko Rasinen mentioned that over 30 players have been certified by classifiers, allowing them to kickstart their professional careers.
Table Tennis
Ayanwale, Aiyelabegan set to defend titles at 2025 National Table Tennis Championships in Osun
Defending champions Jamiu Ayanwale and Sukurat Aiyelabegan will begin their title defence on Monday, April 28, as the 5th edition of the Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships kicks off in the historic town of Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.
Ayanwale, representing Rivers State, dominated the 2024 edition, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. He triumphed in the Men’s Singles, defeating Wasiu Azeez of Oyo State in a thrilling final.
Similarly, Kwara’s Aiyelabegan impressed by overcoming top contenders, including Lagos State champion Bose Odusanya, with a decisive 4-0 victory in the Women’s Singles final.
This year, Ayanwale will face stiff competition from players like Omah Amadi, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and Akinwale Fagbamila in the Men’s Singles.
Meanwhile, Aiyelabegan, known for her unique pimples style, will contend with familiar rivals such as Odusanya, Aminat Fashola, and Bisola Asaju in the Women’s Singles.
With over 50 teams from states and clubs across Nigeria confirmed for this year’s edition, the singles events are expected to draw significant attention. The tournament promises a blend of table tennis and entertainment, with the newly built Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Hall set to host the action.
From April 28 to May 2, players from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Taraba, Nasarawa, Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, and the host state, Osun, as well as clubs like Aruna Sports Club, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigeria Police Force, will compete for honours in the five-day tournament with a prize pool of N11.5 million.
Adding to the excitement, the tournament will feature daily performances by various artists, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere.
Events will include men’s singles, women’s singles, U-15 boys’ and girls’ singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, veteran singles, para men’s singles open, para women’s singles open, deaf men’s singles, deaf women’s singles, and local singles.
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Otan Ayegbaju, a historic town in Southwestern Nigeria, will host 50 teams from states and clubs across the country for the 5th edition of the Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships in Osun State.
The tournament, sponsored by the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation and organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), will take place at Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju from April 27 to May 3, 2025.
Participating teams will come from various states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Taraba, Nasarawa, Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, and the host state, Osun. Expected clubs include Aruna Sports Club, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigeria Police Force.
With over ₦11.5 million at stake, the one-week tournament will take place at the newly built Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Hall.
Ayodeji Alabi, chairman of the Osun State Table Tennis Association, stated that the tournament aims to complement the federation’s efforts to discover new talent and empower youth across the country.
To enhance this year’s edition, the tournament promises a blend of sports and entertainment, with several artists scheduled to perform daily.
Alabi, a member of the ITTF Africa Committee, assured that all participants would be accommodated and fed throughout the event to motivate them to perform their best.
“Whoever comes to this tournament will take home a lot of happiness because we have an entertainment lounge featuring many artists. After the games, there will be comedy shows, music performances, and well-known disc jockeys. We are creating a diverse entertainment portfolio for everyone attending,” Alabi said.
Additionally, para and deaf events will be part of this year’s edition, with athletes competing in various categories including men’s singles, women’s singles, U-15 boys’ and girls’ singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, veteran singles, para men’s singles open, para women’s singles open, deaf men’s singles, deaf women’s singles, and local singles.
“This year, we expect about 400 to 450 participants, and we will house and feed them free of charge. This year’s tournament is different because we have created an environment where participants will sleep and eat well,” Alabi added.
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Solange Ngonda Tibesa, an Ogoja-based Cameroonian refugee, will be representing Nigeria at the fifth edition of the World Table Tennis Day 2025 event.
The WTTD 2025 is an event that is supported by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to promote the development of the game of table tennis at the grassroots level all over the world.
According to the ITTF, “Thirty promoters were selected for World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2025.
“Representing 27 countries and territories across all five continents. These passionate individuals will play a pivotal role in uniting communities and sharing the joy of table tennis on 23rd April 2025.”
A record 160 persons applied to be considered as WTTD 2025 promoters, out of which Solange and 29 other applicants from 27 countries and five continents applied to be considered.
Furthermore, the ITTF stated that they will provide Solange and the other promoters with financial assistance, capacity-building resources, and personalised guidance to align their initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the theme of diversity and inclusion.
Solange, who is currently a full-time staff member of Save the Children, is also a trained netball coach who supervises the compulsory twice-a-week training of the more than thirty netballers who are based at the Adagom 3 refugee camp.
During a telephone interview with our reporter, Solange stated that on 23rd April 2025, she and the Ogoja refugees table tennis organising committee hope to hold the event in the Adagom 1, Adagom 3 and Ukende camps.
Over one thousand persons are expected to attend this event in the three separate refugee camps. The event will be spiced up with a table tennis challenge, live music, health and well-being talks, and some light refreshments for the spectators.
Furthermore, Solange stated: “As an experienced community worker, I know the important role sports can play in bringing people together and giving them the opportunities to compete with each other under set rules, in a respectful manner. I am also aware that sports could be used to empower and provide psychosocial support to vulnerable persons, including the physically challenged.
“We hope to use the game of table tennis to reach out to my fellow Cameroonians and members of our host community in Ogoja.”
Finally, Solange commended the CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative for bringing the WTTD 2025 grant advertisement to her attention and encouraging her to apply for WTTD 2025.
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