Nigeria’s Table Tennis Elite Converge in Osun for ₦5m Alabi Memorial Championship

Otan Ayegbaju, the historic town in Osun State, will, from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17 host Nigeria’s top table tennis stars for the 6th edition of the Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament, with a total prize purse of ₦5 million at stake.

The championship, established in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi—parents of Osun State Table Tennis Association chairman, Ayodeji Alabi—has grown into one of the country’s most prominent grassroots and elite table tennis competitions.

This year’s edition is expected to be the biggest yet, attracting over 300 players from across Nigeria, as Otan Ayegbaju transforms into a bustling centre of sporting activity.

Defending men’s singles champion, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara State, will headline the competition as he seeks to retain his title. However, the absence of national champion Matthew Kuti and Muiz Adegoke—both preparing for the upcoming ITTF World Championships in London—has opened up the field, setting the stage for potential new champions to emerge.

A total of 14 events will be contested, spanning singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veterans categories across U-15, men’s, and women’s divisions. The increase in prize money from ₦3.5 million to ₦5 million underscores the growing stature of the tournament.

Tournament referee John Peters described participation as “overwhelming,” noting a significant rise in youth involvement.

“It has been impressive, particularly with the huge participation across all events. I am thrilled to see more youngsters competing this year because they are the future of the sport,” Peters said. “This tournament is unique—the sponsor ensures all participants are well catered for, which motivates teams to return annually. Given the rising talent, we may witness new champions in several categories.”

The competition is organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, with support from the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation. Matches will be held at the newly constructed Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju.

In the women’s category, defending champion Hope Udoaka of Cross River State will also be in focus as she aims to maintain her dominance in what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.

With a blend of established stars and emerging talents, the 2026 edition is poised to further cement its status as a key platform for developing Nigeria’s next generation of table tennis champions.

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