The president of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Tayo Adesoji, stated that the organisation is working to revive table tennis at the grassroots level to discover and nurture the next generation of stars.

He made this statement in an interview on Sunday in Lagos.

Mr Adesoji said the plan was to identify and develop fresh talents who could surpass the achievements of renowned players like Aruna Quadri, Funke Oshonaike, and Segun Toriola.

“We want to return to the streets and schools where the game started. We expect new talents to emerge, players that will one day be bigger than the great names we’ve celebrated for years,” noted Mr Adesoji.

He noted that becoming a champion requires consistent competition, quality coaching, and access to modern equipment, adding that the NTTF was investing in coaching and technical development.

“The federation had hosted International Table Tennis Federation-certified coaching courses, trained local coaches and developed umpires and competition managers, he said.

According to Adesoji, the NTTF is building a sustainable structure for the sport’s growth, backed by strong leadership. 

“It is exploring grassroots engagement in northern Nigeria to use table tennis as a tool for youth empowerment and social inclusion,” Mr Adesoji said.

He said the just-concluded Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships have been instrumental in discovering new talents and strengthening the senior national team, earning Nigeria’s initiative global recognition.

The NTTF boss reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to producing future world champions. 

“Nigeria’s dominance in youth table tennis in Africa was proof of a brighter global future,” he said. 

(NAN)