35 Players Keep NTTF National Camp Buzzing Ahead of International Tourneys

A national camp is buzzing with activity as 35 young table tennis players, aged between nine and 19, undergo intensive training at Babcock University in Ogun State. This camp, organized by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), is a crucial preparation phase for three international tournaments scheduled in Ghana and Guinea later this month.

The university's management, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Afolarin Ojewole, is fully supporting the initiative. 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."

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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.

He further emphasized the role of sports in shaping well-rounded individuals: "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."

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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.

Supervised by Coach Dotun Omoniyi and four other coaches, the camp sees 18 girls and 17 boys preparing for the Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, the West African Regional Championships, and the African Youth Championships. NTTF President Adesoji Tayo expressed his satisfaction with the facilities and support provided by Babcock University, noting the ideal environment for focused training. Tayo also revealed a mutual understanding to establish Babcock University as a permanent training base for Nigeria's national table tennis teams, citing the campus's serene environment, excellent nutrition, and medical support as key factors.

"This place has everything they need. The hall is excellent, the playing equipment is of high quality, and that’s why we chose Babcock," Tayo added, praising the university's capacity to host large events, referencing their successful accommodation of over 13,000 athletes during the National Sports Festival.

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This place has everything they need. The hall is excellent, the playing equipment is of high quality, and that’s why we chose Babcock.