The seventh edition of the Adegboyega Efunkoya Sports Foundation’s National U-15 Table Tennis Championships got underway in Lagos on Tuesday with a two-day coaching clinic at the indoor hall of the National Stadium.
The Punch reported that the championship proper is scheduled to hold from August 13 to 15, with young players expected to battle for honours and the opportunity to emerge as the next generation of Nigerian table tennis stars.
Hundreds of budding athletes are taking part in the clinic, which focuses on improving their strokes, footwork and tactical awareness.
The programme also features physical conditioning and contemporary training methods aimed at preparing the players for the demands of competitive table tennis.
The clinic is also expected to provide a platform for talented youngsters to attract the attention of national team selectors.
Chairman of the foundation and former national team coach, Babatunde Obisanya, stressed the significance of the initiative, noting that the programme goes beyond developing players for competition.
“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.”
Since its establishment, the championship has served as a talent-development platform, producing players who have gone on to represent Nigeria at different levels.
Among its notable products is Matthew Kuti, who was discovered at the inaugural edition and has since become a member of Nigeria’s senior team and the reigning African U-19 champion.
Other players who have emerged through the competition include Khadijat Musa and siblings Umar, Usman and Kabirat Ayoola, all of whom currently represent Nigeria at the junior level.
The Adegboyega Efunkoya Sports Foundation was established to preserve the legacy of Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, a former chairman of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation whose contributions helped shape the development of the sport in the country.
The foundation continues to promote table tennis among pupils in primary and secondary schools while nurturing young talents with the ambition of helping Nigeria become one of the world’s top 10 table tennis nations.
