The host state, Ogun, is making waves at the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, with an emphatic performance at the table tennis arena, signaling their ambition to dominate the sport.
Building on their momentum from earlier successes in the para events, Ogun clinched another major victory, this time in the fiercely contested mixed doubles category.
The electrifying duo of Bode Abiodun and Tosin Oribamishe rose to the occasion, thrilling an enthusiastic home crowd with their dazzling performance.
Their commanding victory in the final over Bayelsa’s Azeez Solanke and Iyanuoluwa Falana came in straight sets (3-0), as they delivered a masterclass in synergy and strategy at the Gateway International Stadium.
The triumph not only earned them the gold medal but also marked Ogun’s third table tennis gold at the festival, adding to their previous wins in the para events.
The road to the final wasn’t without challenges. In the semifinal, Abiodun and Oribamishe were tested by Edo State’s pair, Rilwan Akanbi and Aminat Fashola.
In a five-set thriller, Ogun narrowly emerged victorious, thanks in part to Abiodun’s composed leadership under pressure.
That hard-fought semifinal win steeled their resolve heading into the final, where they delivered an assertive and flawless display.
As Ogun celebrates the mixed doubles title, anticipation continues to build in the singles categories.
Defending champion in the women’s singles, Delta State’s Fatimo Bello, remains confident of retaining her crown.
> “Expect a different performance in this festival because nothing can stop me from retaining the title,” Bello said defiantly.
“It’s going to be tougher this year, but I’m fully ready for any opponent here in Abeokuta.”
On the men’s side, the singles event promises fireworks with a packed field of contenders.
Heavyweights such as Olajide Omotayo, Bode Abiodun, Taiwo Mati, Bode Kayode, and Azeez Solanke headline the competition, alongside emerging home-based stars like Matthew Kuti, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and defending champion Amadi Omeh of Edo State.
Meanwhile, praise for the event’s organisation has been pouring in. Chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association, Tunji Lawal, lauded the efforts of the Ogun State government and highlighted the festival’s role in nurturing emerging talent.
“I must commend the Ogun State government for putting on a great show,” Mr Lawal said.
“The turnout for the table tennis event has been impressive. With more players participating, we increase our chances of discovering new talent. This is a promising development for the sport in Nigeria. Hopefully, we can find the next Quadri Aruna at this year’s Gateway Games.”
With the finals approaching and stakes rising, fans can expect more thrilling encounters before the curtain falls on what has already been a spectacular display of skill and competition in Abeokuta.
