The 5th Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya National Cadet Table Tennis Championships crowned new champions, with Faruq Hussein from Kwara and Sezuo Ize from Kogi emerging victorious over the weekend in Lagos.
Table tennis stakeholders across Nigeria have praised the championships, highlighting it as a crucial platform for discovering new talents.
Organised by the Efunkoya Table Tennis Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), the tournament aims to nurture future stars to succeed the current national team players.
In the boys’ singles category, number two seed Hussein dominated from the group stage, remaining unbeaten and ultimately defeating Yusuf Solomon of Aruna Sports Club 3-1 (11-7, 9-11, 11-7, 11-3) to claim the title.
In contrast, unseeded Ize showcased her best performance in the semifinals by edging out former champion Aishat Rabiu of Lagos.
She then continued her dominance in the final, thrashing Chineye Okafor of Abia State 3-0 (13-11, 12-10, 13-11) to win her first national title.
For their achievements, Hussein and Ize were awarded educational scholarships and brand-new laptops by the Efunkoya Foundation.
Other winners in the doubles and mixed doubles categories received cash prizes. Additional awards were given for the youngest player, most behaved player, most improved player, and Most Valuable Player.
For the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, the tournament has thrown up new stars. He, however, called for more tournaments to sharpen the skills of the players as well as expose them to international tournaments.
The annual event, held in honour of the late Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, former Chairman of the Nigeria Table Tennis Association, aims to promote the sport and develop future stars.
This year’s edition featured over 160 players from 17 states and 20 clubs, competing in five events.
The championships began with a two-day coaching clinic to prepare the young athletes for the three-day competition.