A wave of excitement has swept through Nigeria’s table tennis community following the election of Adesoji Tayo as the new President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF). The elective congress was held in Abuja over the weekend.
Tayo, Chairman of the Oyo State Table Tennis Association, emerged president unopposed after his closest rival, Ahmed Khamisu, stepped down before voting commenced. He succeeds Engr. Ishaku Tikon, who served as NTTF President for eight years.
Delegates across the country hailed the election as one of the most peaceful in the federation’s history. Conducted under the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)-backed constitution, the process included zonal elections before the presidential vote.
A respected stakeholder in Nigerian table tennis, Tayo previously served as NTTF Vice President and is well known for his financial support that ensured national teams participated in major international tournaments. Beyond funding, he is admired for his deep knowledge of the game and unwavering commitment to its growth.
Speaking after his victory, Tayo pledged to focus on youth development and coaching standards: “Our goal is to build a stronger foundation for the future of Nigerian table tennis. We’ll invest in youth programs and ensure our coaches are equipped to nurture the next generation of champions.”
Ahmed Khamisu, who withdrew from the presidential race, was elected Vice President representing the North East zone. Widely respected for supporting junior players, he has played a key role in helping them feature in international tournaments.
The new 15-member NTTF Board reflects wide regional and institutional representation. Members include:
- Adesoji Tayo – President
- Ahmed Khamisu – Vice President (North East)
- Wahid Enitan Oshodi – International Representative / President, ITTF Africa
- Ishaku Tikon – Outgoing President
- Dominic Sylvester – Technical Representative
- Joshua Umeifekwem – NAPHERSD
- Joy Ibekwe – NAWIS
- Monilola Udoh – AFFAN
- Tony Emefile – Military & Paramilitary
- Sunday Odebode – Sponsor/Philanthropist
- Sule Nasiru – Athlete Representative
- Ebikpolade Ama-Ebi Wilson – South South
- Akunna Boniface Uju – South East
- Ibrahim Abdul-Hamid Ali – North Central
- Ndanusa Mohammad Sani – North West
With a fresh mandate and broad-based leadership, the NTTF is expected to chart a new path of growth and excellence for table tennis in Nigeria.
