Udoaka Falls as Upsets Rock Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament

There were shocks and surprises on Thursday at the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State, as defending women’s singles champion Hope Udoaka crashed out in the round of 16.

Udoaka, who claimed the title in 2025, was stunned by unseeded Khadijat Okanlawon in a thrilling five-set encounter. The Oyo State-born player battled to a 3-2 victory (11-7, 7-11, 9-11, 11-5, 6-11), setting the tone for a dramatic day of competition.

The surprises did not end there. Rising junior star Fumilayo Ojo delivered a commanding performance to eliminate second seed Sukurat Aiyelabegan in straight sets, 3-0 (11-4, 11-4, 11-4), ensuring that a new women’s singles champion will be crowned at this year’s tournament.

While the women’s draw witnessed major upsets, the men’s top seeds maintained their dominance. Defending champion Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara survived a tough test against veteran David Fayele, edging through 3-2, while Akanbi Rilwan advanced comfortably into the quarterfinals.

The tournament, held at the newly constructed Idera Multi-Purpose Hall, has drawn over 200 players from across Nigeria competing for a ₦5 million prize pool, an increase from last year’s ₦3.5 million. The event continues to cement its status as one of the premier fixtures on the national sporting calendar.

Organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and supported by the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation, this year’s edition features 14 events, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veteran categories across U-15, men’s, and women’s competitions.

With the women’s field thrown wide open following Thursday’s upsets, fans are set for an exciting finale as the tournament concludes on Friday.

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