The newly built Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State, came alive during the finale of the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament, as Rilwan Akanbi and Bisola Asaju emerged champions in the men’s and women’s singles events.
For five days, more than 200 players from across Nigeria battled for supremacy and a share of the ₦5 million prize pool—an increase from last year’s ₦3.5 million. The tournament, staged under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and powered by the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation, has steadily grown into one of the country’s most prestigious table tennis competitions.
Akanbi’s journey to the title showcased resilience and determination. He dethroned defending champion Abdulbasit Abdulfatai in a tense semifinal clash before overpowering Wasiu Azeez 4–2 in the men’s singles final to secure national glory.
In the women’s singles, Asaju delivered a commanding performance to defeat Favour Ojo 4–2 in the final. Her triumph came after the shock early exit of reigning champion Hope Udoaka in the round of 16, a result that signaled a possible shift in the women’s game.
The junior categories also produced exciting moments. In the girls’ U-15 final, Chinenye Okafor swept past debutant Deborah Festus 3–0 to claim the title. However, Festus earned widespread admiration for her fearless run to the final in her first national appearance.
President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Adesoji Tayo, praised the young player’s courage and determination, noting that competing against more experienced opponents at such a level showed great promise for the future.
In the boys’ U-15 final, Umar Ayoola was clinical, defeating Abdulateef Abdulsalam 3–0 to secure the title.
The closing ceremony carried a celebratory atmosphere, with Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Tunde Popoola, commending Ayodeji Alabi for sustaining the tournament. He encouraged athletes to use the competition as a platform to push for national team selection and further develop their skills.
This year’s edition also paid tribute to one of the sport’s most respected figures. Nigeria’s oldest international umpire, John Peters, who recently turned 80, was specially honoured for his lifelong dedication to the game. Despite his age, Peters continues to officiate at major competitions across the country, demonstrating unwavering passion and commitment to table tennis.
