National Champions, others express readiness for Michael/Felicia Alabi National Table Tennis championships

Posted : 20 April 2024

Three of the players who won medals for Nigeria at the 13th African Games are expected to compete in the 4th Michael & Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships, which will take place in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.

The annual tournament is organized by the Osun State Table Tennis Association (OSTTA) with technical support from the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and sponsored by the Michael & Felicia Alabi Memorial as well as Canada-based Jodal Health Care.

The championships have also been elevated to a national ranking event for players, as the results will be used to determine the rankings of local-based players.

Teenage sensation Matthew Kuti, Amadi Umeh, and Sukurat Aiyelabegan are among the top players confirmed for the men’s and women’s singles events by the organizers, as over 28 states will be represented in the Land of Virtue during the five-day tournament.

In addition to their success at the African Games, Kuti and Umeh will be aiming for the top prize, drawing on the experience they gained at the African Games, while Aiyelabegan will compete with the likes of Bisola Asaju and Bose Odusanya in the women’s singles.

A determined Umeh believes he is ready to claim the title this year, having prepared for the tournament with the sole aim of adding the title to his list of achievements.

“I am ready anytime, and I know it is going to be tough as most of the players want to challenge those of us who have represented the national team,” he boasted.

According to Ayo Alabi, Chairman of the OSTTA, the record number of entries has added value to the tournament, especially since it will be used as a ranking event for local-based players.

“We have completed all arrangements regarding transportation and accommodation for all athletes and officials who are coming for the event. Hotels have been booked, and buses will be provided to transport athletes and officials from their camps to the venue daily.

“We have also enlisted the services of security agencies to ensure orderliness and provide adequate security for all visitors and guests.

“I want to assure you that the competition will be the best-ever organized compared to previous editions,” Alabi said.

“The last edition saw over 400 participants, which clearly demonstrates the growing status of the tournament.

“I look forward to an exciting tournament that will allow upcoming players to showcase their talents,” he added.

National Champions, others express readiness for Michael/Felicia Alabi National Table Tennis championships

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