Over 200 vie for laurels as Efunkoya tennis tourney serves off

Over 200 players from 16 states and 20 clubs from across the country will begin the journey to win laurels at the Fifth Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya Cadet Table Tennis Championships, which serves off today at the indoor hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

The championship was preceded by a two-day clinic, which ended yesterday at the same venue.
According to the organisers, the screening of players will precede the on-court battles at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium.

At the unveiling of programmes for this year’s event, spokesperson of the Efunkoya Foundation, Ranti Lajide, disclosed that the competition has witnessed an increase in the number of participating states and clubs, saying that Lagos will be joined by Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Delta, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, Abia, Anambra, Edo, Taraba, FCT Abuja, Ekiti, Ondo, and Osun, along with 20 clubs confirmed for this year’s tournament.

Emphasising the importance of education, Lajide highlighted that winners in the singles events over the past three editions have received educational scholarships.

He added that the foundation remains committed to this ideal, reflecting the values upheld by the late Dr. Efunkoya.

“We aim to encourage players to prioritise their education, as Dr. Efunkoya did, ensuring that most players attend school. This way, even if they don’t reach the top in sports, they can continue their education,” Lajide added.

Also speaking at the unveiling, a member of the Efunkoya Foundation’s board of trustees (BOT), Dr. Femi Olugbile, emphasised the tournament’s goal to perpetuate the ideals of the late chairman of the former Nigeria Table Tennis Association, whose leadership brought significant achievements to the sport in Nigeria.

Dr. Olugbile stated that the foundation’s efforts were intended to support the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) in discovering new talents, which the federation would then nurture to stardom.

The foundation comprises former players and stakeholders dedicated to revitalising the sport.

The participants at the championship will vie for five titles, including singles (boys and girls), doubles (boys and girls), and mixed doubles. The event is funded by former players and table tennis enthusiasts based within and outside Nigeria.