The Efunkoya Foundation National Cadet Championship says it has produced emerging talents capable of replacing Nigeria’s table tennis stars.

Lajide Ogunranti, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, said this in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Lagos.

He said the seven-year tournament had produced players who progressed to Nigeria’s national teams.

“We are achieving that. Those who were champions in this competition five or six years ago are now in the national team,” Mr Ogunranti said.

He said the foundation aimed to produce replacements for Nigeria’s national team and restore the country’s position in global table tennis.

Mr Ogunranti said 132 players, comprising 81 boys and 51 girls, participated in the five-day championship, which ended on Friday at the National Stadium, Lagos.

He said some former participants had recorded impressive international performances, including Nigerian women who recently defeated Egypt in Ghana.

Mr Ogunranti expressed confidence that the emerging players could conquer Africa and compete globally with proper training and the right attitude.

Waheed Ekun, a former Nigerian national champion and sports administrator, said the tournament remained an important platform for discovering talents and promoting education alongside sports.

He said several players discovered through the competition had progressed to the national level, adding that late Adegboyega Efunkoya discovered him in the 1970s.

In the boys’ singles final, Balogun Mubarak defeated Ogunsakin Juwon 3-1, recovering from an opening 4-11 loss.

Balogun won the next three games 11-7, 11-9 and 12-10 to secure the title.

Afolabi Waliyat won the girls’ singles title after defeating Ahmed Fatimoh 3-2 in a closely contested final.

Afolabi lost the opening two games 9-11 and 9-11 before winning three consecutive games 11-6, 12-10 and 11-8.

Kehinde Olamilekan and Kehinde Oluwasemilore claimed the boys’ doubles title after defeating Omooba Khaleed and Oriola Quaheem 3-1.

They won 11-9, 9-11, 11-7 and 11-6 to emerge champions in the event, which began on Aug. 11.

Ola Ibitoye, representing Lagos First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the young athletes demonstrated how opportunity, discipline and support could transform potential into achievement.

She commended the foundation for sustaining the tournament in honour of the late Adegboyega Efunkoya, whom she described as a distinguished medical professional and sports administrator.

Ms Ibitoye urged parents, coaches, sponsors and stakeholders to invest more in grassroots sports through facilities, training and structured talent pathways.

She also encouraged young athletes to remain committed to education, stressing that academic and sporting development should go hand in hand.

Adesegun Efunkoya, the eldest child of the late Efunkoya, said attending the tournament for the first time revived childhood memories after 40 to 50 years.

“My mom was the education. My dad was the sports and health, medicine,” he said.

He said his parents were passionate about education, sports and health, noting that three of their five children studied medicine in some form.

Mr Efunkoya expressed gratitude to the organisers, participants, coaches, officials and supporters, while praying for the championship’s continued success.

Toun Engore, a former player, coach and administrator, called for greater government support through more competitions, training and incentives.

She said several products of the tournament now represent Nigeria at national and international competitions, including African events and the World Cup.

She described this year’s standard as high, noting significant improvement among the boys and encouraging progress among the girls.

Coach Abdulganiru Lawal said the championship had benefited his young players while preserving Efunkoya’s legacy and contribution to Nigerian table tennis.

He recalled that players developed during Efunkoya’s era represented Nigeria at major competitions, including the United States Open and events in Britain.

He said the tournament was helping revive Nigeria’s strong table tennis culture and expressed satisfaction with its quality. 

(NAN)