The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of its former national coach, Babatunde Obisanya, who passed away on Tuesday, 6 October, at the age of 77.

Obisanya, who represented Nigeria as a player before serving as national coach, died after a prolonged illness at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

In a statement issued by NTTF President, Adesoji Tayo, the federation described the late Obisanya as a towering figure whose contributions significantly advanced the development of table tennis in Nigeria and across Africa.

“It is sad to hear of the passing of one of Nigeria’s longest-serving players and coaches, Babatunde Obisanya, whose immense contribution to the sport cannot be overstated,” Tayo said.

“Despite retiring in 2010, Coach Obisanya continued to offer valuable advice to the federation. He was always present at national competitions, lending his support and sharing his vast experience. He loved table tennis passionately and never hesitated to voice his concerns whenever he felt something was wrong.

“He was also a father figure to many players, and he will be greatly missed by the entire table tennis family in Nigeria and Africa.”

Obisanya etched his name into Nigerian table tennis history when he became the first men’s singles champion of the now-defunct Asoju Oba Cup in 1968. In 1976, he was named Nigeria’s Sportsman of the Year alongside legendary athletics star Modupe Osikoya, following years of dominance both within and outside the African continent.

During his playing career, he represented Nigeria at several major international competitions, including the African Games, African Championships and World Championships.

Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Nigerian table tennis on the global stage, Obisanya was among the country’s most prominent international competitors during the 1970s. During the era of “Ping Pong Diplomacy” in 1975, he partnered with Lateef Sunmola to reach major tournament finals, emerging as the only non-Asian pair to achieve such a feat at that level.

Following his retirement from active play, Obisanya served as head coach of Nigeria’s national table tennis team from 1976 to 2010. During this period, he mentored and evaluated some of Africa’s finest players, including Nigerian legend Segun Toriola.

Even after stepping down as national coach, Obisanya remained active in sports administration. He served as chairman and a key driving force behind the Adegboyega Efunkoya National U-15 Table Tennis Championship, where he consistently advocated the integration of education with youth sports development.

His legacy as a player, coach, mentor and administrator will remain an enduring part of Nigerian table tennis history.