Other Sports
China’s Li Ping Set for Fireworks at ITTF Nigeria Open
In 2009, Li Ping represented his country of birth – China and his partnership with compatriot – Cao Zhen claimed the mixed doubles title at the World Championships in Japan.
Now he has changed nationality to Qatar and since switching to the Gulf nation, Li Ping has won some ITTF Tours and now he will visiting Africa for the first time to feature in the ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open ‘Lagos 2017’ on Wednesday and running through to Sunday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
However, the Qatari believes he looks forward to exciting firework in Lagos considering the quality of players listed for the five-day $46,000 prize money tournament.
“I expect the 2017 ITTF Nigeria Open to live up to its billing as one of the topmost tournaments on the ITTF Challenge Series. The quality of the players is quite strong this year and I look forward to some ‘firecrackers’ of skills and talents during the competition.
“This is my first trip to Africa and I’m happy to visit Nigeria as my first port of call in the continent. Nigeria has produced some great talents in table tennis and the country has a rich history when it comes to table tennis.
“I’m expecting to have a great time during the visit and to enjoy the tournament as much as possible,” he said.
On his intention to sign up for the tournament, Li Ping said: “The quality of the field as well as the opportunity to play in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, was what attracted me to this year’s Nigeria Open. One of Nigeria’s finest players, Aruna Quadri, has played at the Qatar Open many times and I have great respect for him.
“I would like to play him on his own turf as well and I will appreciate the opportunity of us meeting during the competition.”
“This year’s tournament parades a very strong field which is an indication of the interest it has generated across the world. I believe there has been a remarkable improvement and I think the tournament is going to keep improving yearly.
“Like I said earlier, Nigeria has produced so many great talents – Atanda Musa, Aruna Quadri, Segun Toriola, Bose Kaffo to mention but a few. Table tennis is very popular in Nigeria and I am glad to play there.”
On his immediate target in Lagos, the Qatari boasted: “I hope to win the tournament and lift the champion trophy at the end of the day. I’m well prepared and I’m ready to give it my best shot. I know it’s not going to be easy but I believe I am up to the task.”
The stage is set for the 3rd National Para Games, Nigeria’s largest and most prestigious para sports event, scheduled to hold from March 26 to April 3, 2026, in Abuja.
For nine days, the nation’s capital will host more than 3,000 athletes representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, competing across 15 different sports in what promises to be a vibrant celebration of resilience, excellence and inclusion. Organisers say champions will emerge, records will tumble, and new chapters will be written in Nigeria’s para sports history.
The Games are being organised by the National Sports Commission, which describes the event as a critical platform for talent discovery, national unity and the advancement of para sports development across the country.
Since its inception, the National Para Games has evolved into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sporting calendar, spotlighting the remarkable abilities of athletes living with disabilities while reinforcing the country’s commitment to inclusive participation in sports.
Officials say the 2026 edition will surpass previous outings in scale, organisation and competitive intensity. With participation confirmed from every state of the federation and the FCT, the Games are expected to reveal the depth of talent spread nationwide and provide a pathway for standout performers to progress to continental and global competitions.
In a significant boost to preparations, the National Youth Service Corps has partnered with the Commission by releasing its Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, to serve as the official Games Village. The facility will accommodate athletes and officials throughout the competition, offering a secure and community-focused environment designed to foster camaraderie and peak performance.
The collaboration reflects a broader inter-agency commitment to empowering young Nigerians and promoting social integration through sport. It also underscores growing national recognition of para athletes as integral contributors to Nigeria’s sporting success.
With anticipation building and logistics nearing completion, Abuja is poised to welcome thousands of competitors and supporters for what promises to be a defining celebration of courage, competition and collective pride.
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By Keresifon Essien
Akwa Ibom State will parade a strong contingent of about 280 athletes and 44 officials at the 2026 Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 28.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the Curator of Keresy Sports Museum (KSM), Keresifon Essien, noting that Team Akwa Ibom will compete in 16 sporting events at the regional multi-sports fiesta.
According to Bassey, the sports in which the state will feature include football, basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis, badminton, lawn tennis, boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, taekwondo, weightlifting, swimming and chess.
To ensure optimal preparation, the state government has constituted a five-man State Liaison Committee to oversee arrangements for the festival. The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey.
Other members of the committee are Coach Catherine Ewa Ekuta, Head of Technical; Guinness World Record holder George Essien; Edidiong Stephen, a member; and Mfon Bassey, who serves as Secretary.
Bassey explained that the committee has been mandated to fine-tune all preparations for the festival, beginning with the state trials scheduled for this weekend, and to ensure that the contingent arrives in Benin City fully prepared and ready to project Akwa Ibom State positively at the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
He expressed confidence that with proper planning and early preparations, Team Akwa Ibom will make a strong impression when the festival proper begins.
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Team Nigeria on Monday afternoon departed the country for Cairo, Egypt, where they will compete in the 2025 World Karate Championship scheduled for November 27–30.
The nation will be represented by five outstanding athletes who have demonstrated exceptional discipline, consistency, and competitive grit in their buildup to the global event. The team is made up of:
- Loveth Ngozi Okoro – Kumite -50kg
- Godfirst Orie Ukoha-Sampson – Kumite -55kg
- Constance Tamunodiepreye Abode – Kumite -61kg
- Ujunwa Caroline Nwankwo – Kumite +68kg
- Oluwaseun Olorunbe – Male Kata
The athletes, who have undergone intense preparations, will be led by coach Efezino Akpotu, while Olusegun Abode serves as the leader of delegation.
Four members of the squad—Ngozi, Godfirst, Constance, and Ujunwa—are already well-known names on the domestic circuit. They are regular contenders at the Zainab Saleh International Female Open Karate Championship, an annual tournament founded by Hajiya Zainab Saleh, a Board Member of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN). The championship has been widely recognised for empowering and developing female karatekas across the country.
Ahead of the team’s participation, the Board of the KFN expressed confidence in the athletes’ ability to deliver strong performances on the world stage.
However, it also appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for urgent financial support to offset debts incurred in ensuring Nigeria’s participation in the championship.
According to the federation, the World Karate Championship falls under the mandate of the NSC, and timely intervention is necessary to stabilise the federation’s operations after securing the team’s trip to Cairo.
Team Nigeria will now focus on making a strong impact as they join the world’s best karatekas in Egypt later this week.
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