Kwara’s Abdulbasit Abdulfatai and Cross River’s Hope Udoaka stole the spotlight at the fifth National Table Tennis Championships, capturing the men’s and women’s singles titles in the grand finale held in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.
The five-day event featured intense competition and several surprises, including the quarterfinal exits of defending champions in both senior categories. With the field wide open, Abdulfatai seized his moment, sweeping surprise finalist Matthew Fabunmi 4-0 (12-10, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7) to claim the men’s crown in dominant fashion.
In the women’s final, Udoaka continued her impressive rise, dispatching veteran Halima Hussain of Oyo 4-1 (11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7) to earn her maiden national title with poise and precision.
Youth talent also shone in the U-15 category. Lagos’ Ifeoluwa Ajasa triumphed over Edo’s Deborah Faleye 3-1 (11-8, 6-11, 11-6, 11-7) in the girls’ final, while Kogi’s Marvelous Joseph beat Osun’s Umar Ayoola 3-1 (11-9, 11-2, 10-12, 11-8) to take the boys’ title.
Tournament referee John Peter praised this year’s edition for its festive atmosphere and elevated level of play.
“The fifth edition of the Michael and Felicia Alabi Table Tennis Festival was not only about competition—it was also about celebration and community,” Peter said. “The quality of play improved significantly, the fall of defending champions added drama, and volunteers, especially from universities, played key roles in event management.”
The closing ceremony drew notable dignitaries, including the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Speaker of the Osun 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 tournament featured a prize pool of ₦11.5 million. It attracted participants from over 20 states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Adamawa, and Zamfara, alongside top clubs like Aruna Sports Club, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force.
