The 7th edition of the China-NUJ FCT Council annual table tennis tournament concluded on a cheery note, with Chioma Amajor of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Correspondents Chapel emerging as female singles champion.
In her remarks while declaring the event open, the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, commended the friendship, collaboration, and healthy competition between the NUJ and the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria. She said that table tennis is more than just a sport, describing it as a celebration of skill, agility, and perseverance—values that resonate deeply with the spirit of journalism and the unity it upholds.
“I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the China Cultural Center for their invaluable support in making this tournament possible. Their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and friendship through sport truly enriches this event. We are grateful for their partnership and dedication to strengthening ties between our communities,” she said.
Chioma Amajor defeated Nie Xiaohua of the Chinese Cultural Center 11-2, 8-11, 11-9 in the final to emerge champion of the 2025 edition in Abuja on Saturday, while Chen Huiling came third.
In the male singles category, Ignatius Nkoh of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) came third behind He Ling, who emerged champion, and Wang Yongtao, the first runner-up. Victor Okoye of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), making his debut in the tournament, also gave a good account of himself, dismissing his Chinese opponent in the round of 32 in two straight sets. He also defeated his colleague and fellow compatriot, Fortune Abang (2-0) in the Round of 16 before bowing out gracefully in the quarter-finals to Chinese top-rated player Gao Qian after a pulsating and nerve-wracking two-set encounter.
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In the men’s doubles category, Wang Yongtao and He Ling emerged champions, while Shi Changqiang and Xui Haita were first runner-up, and Ignatius Nkoh and Nwokocha came third.
In the mixed doubles category, Shi Changqiang and Chen Huiling emerged champions, He Ling and Nie Xiaohua were first runner-up, while Tan Jian and Wan Lu came third.
NAN reports that winners of each category received a cash reward of N250,000, second-place winners received N200,000, while third-place winners took home N150,000.
Earlier at the opening ceremony, the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr. Tang Jianxing, said that the competition is part of table tennis diplomacy. He noted that Nigeria and China are very close friends, saying that Nigeria ranks among the first five friendly nations to China.
Jianxing, who is also the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, said there is mutual respect between both countries and that the competition was also an opportunity to get closer at heart and know each other better through sports.
“I have to thank the NUJ and all the journalists in your country. Without your understanding, focus on China, appreciation of Chinese culture, and commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation, the comprehensive strategic partnership between our countries cannot stand the test of time,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mallam Ali M. Ali, said that NAN is proud to be associated with the tournament. Represented by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Mr. Oluwole Shogunle, Ali said that the event represents values promoted by NAN.
“It fosters friendship, stronger bilateral relations, and team building, and these are the values we promote in the News Agency of Nigeria. So we are glad to be here today to be associated with this event. We congratulate the organisers, the NUJ, and the Chinese Embassy for putting this together,” he said.
Also, the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Salihu Dembos, commended the centre for sustaining the competition to its 7th edition. Represented by the General Manager Sports, Mr. Ademuyi Kayode, Dembos recalled that table tennis was established in the late 19th century but became an official Olympic sport in 1988.
He said that since then, Nigeria had been waxing stronger and has won many international medals across competitions. He added that given the level of talent displayed at the annual event, it is time to involve the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation.