Young table tennis players from across the country have converged in Lagos for the seventh National U-15 Table Tennis Championships organised by the Adegboyega Efunkoya Sports Foundation.
The event opened on Tuesday with a coaching programme at the National Stadium’s indoor sports hall. The training sessions will run for two days before the competitive phase begins on August 13 and ends on August 15.
The clinic is giving the young participants an opportunity to strengthen different aspects of their game, including ball control, movement, decision-making and match strategy. They are also being exposed to fitness drills and updated coaching methods designed to improve their readiness for high-level competition.
Beyond technical development, the organisers are using the programme to encourage good conduct, creativity and a balanced approach to sporting and academic pursuits.
Speaking on the initiative, Foundation Chairman and former national team coach, Babatunde Obisanya, expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations supporting the competition.
Obisanya said former Nigerian players living abroad, sports officials and table tennis lovers had continued to contribute to the foundation’s efforts.
He explained that the organisation was established to keep the ideals of late Dr Adegboyega Efunkoya alive while creating opportunities for young athletes to combine their sporting ambitions with their education.
He also revealed that the organisers regularly introduce new ideas to improve the championship and would continue to do so in this year’s edition. Outstanding players will also receive assistance towards their education.
The competition has previously served as a breeding ground for players who later progressed to the national teams.
Matthew Kuti is one of the biggest success stories from the championship. After being identified during the first edition, he rose through the ranks to become part of Nigeria’s senior team and currently holds the African U-19 title.
Khadijat Musa and the Ayoola siblings—Umar, Usman and Kabirat—are among other products of the competition who have gone on to feature for Nigeria at junior international level.
The foundation was created in honour of Dr Adegboyega Efunkoya, a former Nigerian Table Tennis Federation chairman who made significant contributions to the growth of table tennis in the country.
Its programmes continue to take the sport to children in primary and secondary schools, with the long-term objective of developing a stronger pool of players capable of taking Nigeria into the global top 10.
