Upset Alert: New Champions Emerge In National Table Tennis Showdown

Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara State and Hope Udoaka representing Cross River are the new men’s and women’s singles champions after the exciting five-day fifth National Table Tennis Championships concluded

The championship, held in Otan Ayegbaju, displayed a fierce rivalry, surprising results, and the emergence of promising new players.

The defending champions were both eliminated in the quarterfinals, which opened up opportunities for new players to emerge.

Abdulfatai delivered a dominant 4-0 victory (12-10, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7) against surprise finalist Matthew Fabunmi. His consistent and commanding play earn the men’s singles title for Kwara State.

Hope Udoaka strengthened her increasing prominence in women’s table tennis by confidently defeating Halima Hussain of Oyo 4-1 (11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7) to earn her first national title and establish herself as a rising talent in Nigeria.

The championship also spotlighted future stars in the U-15 division. Lagos’ Ifeoluwa Ajasa clinched the girls’ title with a 3-1 (11-8, 6-11, 11-6, 11-7) win over Edo’s Deborah Faleye. On the boys’ side, Kogi’s Marvelous Joseph triumphed 3-1 (11-9, 11-2, 10-12, 11-8) against Osun’s Umar Ayoola.

Tournament referee John Peter described this year’s event as a unique blend of sport and celebration. In his word: “The fifth edition of the Michael and Felicia Alabi Table Tennis Festival wasn’t just about competition, it was about community. From the fall of defending champions to the enthusiastic involvement of university volunteers, it truly felt like a festival. The standard of play continues to rise each year.”

The closing remark was graced by top dignitaries, including Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, and the royal father of Otan Ayegbaju, HRM Oba Adesola Ojo Fadipe.

Sanctioned by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association.

The competition which featured a total prize pool of 11.5 million naira attracted players from more than 20 states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Adamawa, and Zamfara and top clubs such as Aruna Sports Club, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force.