Top seeds have progressed smoothly into the knockout stage at the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament, currently taking place in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.

Over 200 players from across Nigeria are competing for a ₦5 million prize pool at the national championship, which has grown into one of the country’s premier table tennis events.

The tournament has transformed the historic town into a vibrant centre of sporting activity. At the opening ceremony, Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, urged participants to combine discipline with talent.

He commended sponsor Ayodeji Alabi for sustaining the competition and encouraged more Nigerians to invest in sports as a means of addressing youth restiveness.

“I want you to be good ambassadors of your states. Success is not only about being great athletes but also about character. Avoid doping and substances that can harm your future,” Adewusi advised.

In the men’s singles, defending champion and top seed Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara battled through a tough contest to reach the round of 16, while women’s top seed Hope Udoaka maintained her strong form to advance.

This year’s edition features 14 events, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veteran categories, as well as U-15, men’s, and women’s competitions. The prize money has been increased from ₦3.5 million to ₦5 million, reflecting the tournament’s growing profile.

Tournament referee John Peters praised the organisers for creating a conducive environment for players and officials.

“I must commend the friendly atmosphere provided. It allows players and officials to relax after each day and fosters friendships that motivate better performance,” he said.

Organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, and supported by the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation, the tournament is being held at the newly built Idera Multi-Purpose Hall.