Top Seeds Advance at Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament in Osun

Top seeds lived up to expectations as they cruised into the knockout stage of the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament taking place in the historic town of Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.

Over 200 players drawn from across the country are battling for honours in the national championship, which offers a total prize pool of ₦5 million and continues to grow in stature as one of Nigeria’s leading table tennis events.

The competition has transformed Otan Ayegbaju into a lively centre of sporting activity, with dignitaries, athletes, and enthusiasts converging on the town for the week-long tournament.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, urged participants to blend discipline with their talent while representing their states with pride. He also commended sponsor Ayodeji Alabi for sustaining the competition and encouraged other well-meaning Nigerians to invest in sports development as a means of addressing youth restiveness.

“Success is not only about being great athletes but also about character. Avoid doping and substances that can harm your future,” Adewusi cautioned.

On the table, defending men’s singles champion and top seed Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara fought hard to secure his place in the round of 16 after a challenging encounter. In the women’s category, top seed Hope Udoaka maintained her fine form to progress comfortably.

This year’s edition features 14 events, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veterans’ categories, with competitions spanning U-15, men’s, and women’s divisions. The increase in prize money from ₦3.5 million to ₦5 million highlights the tournament’s rising profile.

Tournament referee John Peters praised the organisers and sponsor for providing a conducive environment for players and officials.

“The friendly atmosphere here allows players to relax after matches and build friendships, which ultimately improves their performance,” Peters noted.

The tournament 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 are being held at the newly constructed Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju.

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