35 players hit NTTF camp ahead int’l tourneys

Nigeria is preparing its next generation of table tennis talent through an intensive national camp hosted at Babcock University in Ogun State. Thirty-five players, aged between nine and 19, are undergoing rigorous training ahead of three international tournaments scheduled for Ghana and Guinea later this month.

The camp is organized by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and features 18 girls and 17 boys. They are preparing for the Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, the West African Regional Championships, and the African Youth Championships. The NTTF has partnered with Babcock University, with the institution's Vice Chancellor, Professor Afolarin Ojewole, expressing strong support for the initiative.

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Babcock University is always committed to training the heart, the head, and the hands. We believe in the holistic development of an individual, and in training the heart, skills are included. Sports play a vital role because physical fitness enhances academic performance and enables students to experience all that God has for them. For us, sports are an essential part of training the mind, shaping the heart, and developing future leaders. The discipline that comes from sports, the determination, the desire to win, and the spirit of good sportsmanship are qualities the world needs today. All these can be gained through sports. Losing is part of winning, which is why sports have an important place at Babcock University.

Professor Ojewole highlighted the university's commitment to holistic development, stating, "Babcock University is always committed to training the heart, the head, and the hands. We believe in the holistic development of an individual, and in training the heart, skills are included. Sports play a vital role because physical fitness enhances academic performance and enables students to experience all that God has for them." He emphasized that sports cultivate discipline, determination, and good sportsmanship, qualities essential in today's world.

The NTTF President, Adesoji Tayo, announced a long-term agreement with Babcock University to establish it as a permanent training base for Nigeria's national table tennis teams. Tayo praised the university's conducive environment, excellent facilities, and comprehensive support, including nutrition and medical attention, which allow the young athletes to focus entirely on their game. "This place has everything they need. The hall is excellent, the playing equipment is of high quality, and that’s why we chose Babcock," he said.

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If you look around, you will see how beautiful this campus is. It is away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, making it an ideal environment where these children can stay focused on table tennis. Babcock is a wonderful place for them, and I’m grateful to the Vice Chancellor for allowing them to use the campus. Apart from that, this is where they receive good food, proper nutrition, and excellent support. The NTTF does not have to deploy many officials here because the university has taken excellent care of the players since they arrived last month. I’m sure the children will tell you they are happy to be here. They are well fed, transportation is convenient, and those who have fallen ill have received proper medical attention from the university. This place has everything they need. The hall is excellent, the playing equipment is of high quality, and that’s why we chose Babcock.