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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

National U-15 Table Tennis Tournament Begins in Lagos

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The seventh Adegboyega Efunkoya Sports Foundation’s National U-15 Table Tennis Championships have begun in Lagos, Nigeria.
  • The event includes a two-day clinic to improve young athletes' skills, followed by the main tournament from August 13 to 15.
  • The foundation aims to foster education alongside sports and has a long-term goal of making Nigeria a top ten table tennis nation.

Lagos, Nigeria – The Adegboyega Efunkoya Sports Foundation's seventh National U-15 Table Tennis Championships commenced Tuesday with a two-day clinic at the National Stadium's indoor hall. The main tournament is scheduled from August 13 to 15.

Hundreds of young athletes are participating in the clinic, focusing on sharpening strokes, footwork, and tactical approaches. The program also incorporates physical conditioning and modern training techniques, aiming to prepare players for competition and provide a platform to impress national selectors.

Babatunde Obisanya, Chairman of the Foundation and former national team coach, highlighted the clinic's significance. He emphasized the foundation's commitment to continuing Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya's legacy by ensuring players balance sports with education. The foundation also plans to support the education of excelling players.

Since its inception, the championship has been instrumental in identifying talent for Nigeria's national teams. Notable alumni include Matthew Kuti, now a key senior squad member and Africa's reigning U-19 champion, along with Khadijat Musa and the Ayoola siblings, who represent Nigeria at the junior level. The foundation's ultimate goal is to elevate Nigeria among the world's top ten table tennis nations.

We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from stakeholders worldwide, former players in the diaspora, administrators, and enthusiasts who believe in our vision. Our mission is to continue the legacy of Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, ensuring that players combine sports with education. Each year we introduce new innovations, and this year will be no different. Beyond competition, we remain committed to supporting the education of players who excel.

— Babatunde ObisanyaChairman of the Foundation and former national team coach, emphasizing the importance of the clinic and the foundation's mission.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.