The unseeded duo of Samuel Boboye and Iyanuoluwa Falana clinched the mixed doubles title on Wednesday, April 30, at the 5th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships held in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.

A major upset occurred in the U-15 boys’ singles, where the number one seed, Ayoola Usman, was eliminated by an unseeded player in the last 16 of the tournament.

The five-day tournament, sanctioned by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and organized by the Osun State Table Tennis Association, attracted participants 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.

Clubs such as Aruna Sports Club, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Police Force also competed for top honours at the N11.5m prize money championships.

Boboye and Falana emerged as champions in the mixed doubles event by defeating the number two seed, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai and Sukurat Aiyelabegan of Kwara State, with a score of 3-1 (11-1, 6-11, 11-7, 11-7). 

The Bayelsa pair attributed their victory to focus and composure, despite facing top-seeded players, and expressed their ambition to secure more laurels for the Niger Delta team.

In the U-15 boys’ singles, Solomon Oyenekan of Lagos was the standout player of the day, stunning the number one seed, Ayoola Usman of Aruna Club, with a commanding 3-0 (12-10, 11-9, 11-8) victory to advance to the quarterfinals.

As the tournament concludes on Friday, May 2, the competition for the coveted trophies and substantial prize money intensifies, with top seeds determined to maintain their dominance against unseeded challengers. 

The absence of the national champion in the Men’s Singles, Matthew Kuti, who is preparing for an international tournament later this month, may pave the way for a new champion to emerge.

Players have praised the sponsors for providing a conducive environment and full boarding, including accommodation and meals, throughout the tournament.

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Africa’s men’s doubles champion, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and top-ranked female player, Hope Udoaka, have emerged as the top seeds in the singles event of the 5th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships.

This prestigious tournament is currently underway in the historic town of Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.

The event was officially declared open on Monday, April 28, by the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, who participated in an exhibition match against former African champion, Saka Suraju. 

A former table tennis player himself, Adewusi praised the tournament’s sponsor—the Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Foundation, led by Ayodeji Alabi—for its unwavering commitment to the sport.

“I urge all players to take this tournament as an opportunity to display their talents,” Adewusi said. “However, talent must be complemented by discipline and hard work, as there are no shortcuts to success. I also challenge our female players to step up their game and see this platform as a chance to break into the national team.”

He expressed appreciation to the sponsors on behalf of the people of Osun State and Governor Ademola Adeleke for sustaining the championship in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Abdulfatai, who narrowly missed the national title to Matthew Kuti earlier this year, is determined to reclaim his spot on the national team. 

Udoaka, representing Cross River, will be aiming to unseat defending champion Sukurat Aiyelabegan of Kwara in the women’s singles.

Other top contenders in the Men’s Singles include defending champion Jamiu Ayanwale, Edo’s Amadi Omeh, Akinwale Fagbamila from Ondo, and Azeez Waisu of Oyo. 

In the Women’s Singles, Udoaka is joined by Aiyelabegan, Lagos-based Bose Odusanya, Aminat Fashola, and Bisola Asaju of Kwara on the list of seeded players.

Sanctioned by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association, the five-day tournament features over ₦11.5 million in prize money.

Participants from 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, are competing. Clubs such as Aruna Sports Club, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Police Force are also in contention for top honours.

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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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