Thirty-five promising table tennis players are in residential training at Babcock University, Ogun State, as the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation intensifies preparations for three international competitions later this month in Ghana and Guinea.
The Punch reported that the national camp, organised by the federation with the support of the university’s management led by Vice Chancellor Afolarin Ojewole, features 18 girls and 17 boys aged between nine and 19.
The players are being coached by Dotun Omoniyi and four other trainers as they prepare for the Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, the West African Regional Championships, and the African Youth Championships.
Speaking after observing the camp, Prof. Ojewole commended the young athletes for their discipline and talent, noting that the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to developing students beyond the classroom.
“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,” he said.
NTTF President Adesoji Tayo disclosed that the federation plans to make Babcock University a regular training base for Nigeria’s national table tennis teams, describing the partnership as a long-term arrangement.
“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. The university also helped Nigeria host the National Sports Festival. If it could successfully accommodate over 13,000 athletes, then hosting 35 young players is certainly not a challenge,” Tayo said.
