The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NTTF

  • NTTF selects eight for ITTF Africa Hopes Challenge

    NTTF selects eight for ITTF Africa Hopes Challenge

    After six days of intense training, culminating in a two-day tournament under the guidance of ITTF-certified coaches, the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has selected eight players—four boys and four girls—to represent Nigeria at the 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, scheduled for July in Lagos.

    The training session, held at the National Training Centre of the National Stadium in Lagos between  April 2 and  7, saw the participation of 25 cadet (U-12) players from across the country.

    Supported by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and ITTF Africa, National Hopes Week provided young athletes with valuable knowledge and experience to aid their development in the sport.

    In the boys’ singles, Samson Joshua of Kogi emerged victorious, defeating Umar Ayoola of Oyo 4-2.

    In the girls’ singles, Elizabeth Emelike of Abia triumphed over Deborah Faleye of Edo with a 4-1 win. All semi-finalists in both the boys’ and girls’ singles events were selected to form Team Nigeria for the continental Hopes Challenge.

    Joining Joshua and Ayoola in the boys’ squad are Lagos’ Juwon Ogunshakin and Habib Adebayo. The girls’ team will include Lagos State’s Semilore Owoiya and Emmanuella Ahaibu, alongside Emelike and Faleye.

    Read Also: NTTF hosts national coaching seminar

    An excited Emelike described the training as an excellent platform for improving her skills and aspiring to dominate the sport in Nigeria.

    “I feel happy and great at the tournament, and I hope to become champion in my next tournament and win every tournament in the country. During the training, I learned how to serve, topspin, and receive various types of balls, as well as footwork. I will go back home and train more,” she said.

    Joshua believes his victory marks the beginning of a promising career in table tennis. “I feel happy and thank my coach for allowing me to participate and perform well in the tournament. I thank God. My forehand topspin was good in the final match because I knew my opponent couldn’t follow up, so I used my energy to play the game,” the Kogi youngster said.

  • NTTF hosts national coaching seminar

    NTTF hosts national coaching seminar

    The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is organizing a two-day National Coaching Seminar themed “Leadership and Management Skills.”

    This event will take place between December 17 and 18 at the Additional Sports and Entertainment (ASEP) Pro Limited in Mowe, Ogun State.

    The seminar aims to enhance the capabilities of Nigerian table tennis coaches, with a particular emphasis on female coaches, aligning with the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Initiative.

    It is part of the one-week sports and leadership boot camp titled “Awaken the Giant, She Can 4.0’ proudly supported by NTTF.

    Read Also: CHAN  Eagles: Veteran  Rabiu Ali headlines invitees  for Ghana

    This seminar also represents the third stage of the 2024 “My Gender, My Strength” program, which has table tennis star Abosede Akinsete as a proud beneficiary.

    NTTF President Tikon Ishaku, Vice President Adesoji Tayo, and other board members are dedicated to initiatives that support the development of coaches.

    Wahid Enitan Oshodi, ITTF Executive Vice President and President of ITTF-Africa, reaffirms his commitment to empowering women in sports in line with the GEDI Initiative.

    The seminar will feature speakers who will address critical topics under Leadership and Management Skills, aimed at enhancing coaches’ abilities to identify and develop talent, foster high-performance table tennis players capable of competing globally, and contribute to sustainable development goals.

  • NTTF names team for WJC, AJCC in Ghana

    The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has named a 12-man team that will represent the country at the ITTF World Junior Circuit (WJC) and African Junior and Cadet Championship (AJCC) holding in Accra, Ghana from April 1 to 13.

    The team is made up of seven boys and five girls competing in WJC and AJCC.

    The AJCC serves as qualification for the 2019 World Junior Championship holding later in the year.

    National junior champion, Azeez Solanke will be leading the team alongside, Augustine Emmanuel, Jamiu Ayanwale, Abayomi Animashaun, Taiwo Matti, Musa Mustapha and Mustapha Mustapha completed the boys’ team. The girls’ team has Vivian Oku, Roafiat Jimoh, Iyanuoluwa Falana, Sukurat Aiyelabegan and Sadiat Akeem and they will be accompanied by three coaches.

    After missing the last two AJCC, Nigeria will be making a return to the continental showpiece as the team will be aiming to dethrone defending champion – Egypt in Accra next week.

    Already, the organizers of the tournament, Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has promised an exciting tournament being the first time the West Africa will be staging an international table tennis tournament in the last 16 years.

    According to Ghana Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah, Ghana would host a befitting tournament. “We are grateful to ITTF and ATTF for choosing Ghana as host of these important competitions and for us we are excited that this is in line with our ideals of growing all sports from grassroots levels. We have been working hard to revive our school sports because we know we have the potential to be among the best in sports. I am also using this opportunity to charge the Ghana Table Tennis Association to focus on schools across the country to be able to discover new talents that will make our country proud at the 2023 African Games which we are hosting,” Isaac Asiamah said.

    However, the President of African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Khaled El-Salhy has expressed optimism on Ghana’s readiness to host the world and Africa for 13 days.

  • NTTF mourns Ajetunmobi

    The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) in a release on Friday said the organisation was saddened by the death of one of the national players – Seun Ajetunmobi.

    Ajetunmobi whose last duty for Nigeria was at the 2015 African Games in Congo Brazzaville, died early on June 1 following a domestic accident, which occurred at his Lagos home on May 23.

    He died yesterday at the hospital where he was receiving treatment.

    In a statement signed by the Secretary-General of NTTF, Idaye Anthony, the federation was shocked by the news of the 33-year-old promising star, who on May 9, was crowned the men’s singles champion at the annual Aso Championships held in Abuja.

    “On behalf of the President, the executive board members and the entire table tennis family in Nigeria, I regret to announce the sudden death of one of our National Team players – Seun Ajetunmobi, which sad event occurred early morning of June 1, 2018, in a Lagos hospital. The Italy-based athlete was on holiday in Nigeria after the end of the season in Italy. The federation sympathised with the player’s family and his supporters in Nigeria and around the World. The burial will be announced later by his family,” Idaye said.

    Prior to moving to Italy, Ajetunmobi had played in Portugal and was at a time, unbeaten for several years in Nigeria.

  • Commonwealth Games selection will be on merit – NTTF

    Commonwealth Games selection will be on merit – NTTF

    The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) said the selection of players for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Australia would be on merit.

    NTTF’s National Coach Nasiru Bello told the Reporter on Wednesday in Lagos that the trials would be very competitive as players would be eager to make the team.

    Reporter reports that the 2018 Games is scheduled for April 4 to April 25 in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, would feature 275 events in 18 sports with 70 countries participating.

    “We had a national trial in December which identified some outstanding players in the ongoing camp, but we owe the nation a duty to present a formidable team for the Games.

    “The target is to improve our record because our performance in Glasgow was not impressive where we got only a bronze medal in the men’s team event.

    “Besides, those who have featured in the Commonwealth Games will strive to maintain their position, while first timers will also struggle to displace them in the final trials proposed for February.

    Read Also: NTTF Championship: Men’s champion crashes out

    “The home-based are anxious to make a name for themselves and have the opportunity to be listed in the world ranking after their participation in the Games,’’ he said.

    Bello said that the quest had compelled home-based players in camp to absorb rigorous training daily in the Knock-Up Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

    He said that the players were responsive to the programme which included services, stroke techniques and skills, adding that those were necessary to sharpen their forms.

    “We observe training twice daily; morning and evening sessions and we also carry our foreign-based players along as part of build-up for the final trials.

    “Training is going on well, the players are doing well in line with the programmes we are giving them here, the foreign-based are not left out,’’ he said.

    The coach popularly known as Alakoro expressed confidence that the country would top the medal table in various events that would be featured in the Games.

    NAN

  • NTTF kicks off preparation for 2018 intercontinental games

    NTTF kicks off preparation for 2018 intercontinental games

    No fewer than 347 players are currently participating in the 2017 National Table Tennis Championships and 2018 Commonwealth Games Selection Trials which served-off  on Wednesday at the National Stadium, Lagos.

    The dual event holding from December 13 to December 16 is being organised by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF).

    The NTTF Assistant Secretary, c, said the events were part of its annual programmes and build up for the Commonwealth Games.

    Adeosun said it was an open and first trial directed toward giving players across the country the opportunity to prove their mettle in the Able and Para-Class of the various events.

    “The turnout is really high and I think it’s because the competition was declared open for the physically challenged and able bodied players across.

    Read also: NTTF set for national open, Commonwealth trials

    “Most players are familiar with the National Championships, being an arm of this event, but we have widened the scope this year because of major Games holding next year.

    “Although, this is the first stage of the trials because it involves more of the home-based, the platform will help to ginger players ahead of bigger tasks ahead.

    “So, those that performed credibly in this stage will have the opportunity to be part of the subsequent stages; this is the standard and process for selection,’’ she said.

    Adeosun said the NTTF would organise the 2nd stage of the trials in the first quarter of 2018, adding that it would be a closed event involving foreign-based players.

    The NTTF’s assistant secretary said the championships holding simultaneously in the Knock-Up Hall and Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, was being sponsored by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

    NAN

  • 20 players for Oshonaike table tennis clinic in Lagos

    20 players for Oshonaike table tennis clinic in Lagos

    Twenty junior players drawn across the country, have been listed for the Olufunke Oshonaike table tennis clinic scheduled for February 25 to March 5 in Lagos.

    The clinic is the brainchild of six-time Olympian who felt that the players need to be inspired and groomed to become world beaters.

    The invited players are made up of 11 girls and nine boys and they are expected to arrive in Lagos on February 25 for the 10-day exercise holding at the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) National Training Centre of the Lagos National Stadium.

    According to the Germany-based African champion, the essence of the 10-day camping exercise is to inspire and motivate the players to be passionately committed to the sport.

    “I love table tennis and the sport has given me all what I need in life. Apart from the fame, I have made a tidy fortune from the sport. All these were made possible because I was committed to the sport and this had made it possible for me to achieve all what I needed. Unfortunately these days, Nigerian players are frustrated because of lack of exposure and this has discouraged most of them. I am hopeful that the clinic will help to re-launch them back to reckoning and I want to use the opportunity to inspire and also help them with some equipment that will aid them in training. I really want to focus on the female players because we have not been producing top female players like before and I hope that after telling them my story, they will be encouraged to aim high in the sport,” she said.

    The six-time Olympian believes the gesture will surely give the players hope that with discipline and hard work, they can reap from their efforts in the sport. “I believe when top players like us organise such programme for the young players, they can be inspired and motivated to take a cue from us. I am hoping to arrive in Lagos on February 24 for the clinic that will begin on February 25 to March 5 at the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) Training Centre of the Lagos National Stadium,” she added.

  • Upsets galore at Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Cup

    Upsets galore at Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Cup

    The boys and girls have been separated from the men and women at the 48th Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Cup as series of upsets were yesterday recorded in the singles event of the championship, with the men’s singles recording one upset, while three seeded players were bundled out in the women’s singles.
    Winner of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF)-organised U-16 championship and the number nine seed in the men’s singles, Augustine Emmanuel played his last game when he was shown the exit by Dayo Adenugba in the round of 32 in an entertaining encounter.
    Augustine was beaten 10-12, 11-3, 10-12, 11-8, and 11-9 by unseeded Adenugba.
    However, three top seeds were shown the door with Anu Anjuwon leading the pack of
    casualties.
    In the round of 32 of the women’s singles, Anjuwon, seeded number four, fell 11-9, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1 to Funke Hassan, while number three seed, Sidikat Yaya was thrashed by
    Fatimo Bello 11-3, 11-2, 11-5, 11-8.
    The last victim of the day was the number seven seed, Balikisu Ishola who was bashed by Modinat Yusuf 11-3, 11-3, 11-5, 11-5.
    Meanwhile, men’s singles number seed, Ahmed Adeyinka continued his good form when he qualified for the last 16 of the championship while two members of the Team Nigeria to the 2016 ITTF World Junior Championship, Azeez Solanke and Rilwan Akanbi also secured their places in the last 16.
    Deputy referee of the competition, Olufemi George told NationSport that the turnout for
    this year’s championship has been impressive as more schools are now competing in the cadet and junior events.
    “I must say that the turnout of players for this year has been encouraging as more
    players are participating in the cadet and junior events. This is a good development for the sport because it is always good to unearth these players when they are young so that they can be groomed to world class players like Aruna Quadri. More schools are now taking part in the competition as schools like Indian Language School (ILS) has over 62 players taking part in the competition. This for us is good for the sport and we hope we can identify these players at a tender age,” George said.

     

  • I’ve put Morocco defeat behind me – Quadri

    I’ve put Morocco defeat behind me – Quadri

    Following his narrow loss to Egypt’s Omar Assar in the final of the men’s singles of ITTF Africa Senior Championships, Aruna Quadri has said he looks ahead for better days in his blossoming career.

    The 2014 ITTF Star Player was on Tuesday made the four-man nominees list for this year’s ITTF Star Awards told NationSport yesterday that he is hoping to return to his French club as they continue their quest for top finish in the 2016/2017 season.

    “I think I was a bit unlucky to have lost the match. I am not really disappointed because I gave my best and it was clear from the beginning. I am satisfied with my performance as I am looking forward to a better outing in subsequent tournaments. In the overall I am contempt with the performance of our team because we never gave up. We were able to prove ourselves against the Egyptian and now we have some young players that were part of the team. I believe with more exposure they can make impact in major competitions,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has appealed to fans within and across Nigeria to vote for Aruna Quadri for him to become the first athlete to win the award twice.

    To vote for Aruna Quadri, fans are expected to visit ITTFStarawards.com while the voting closes on November 13. The grand finale holds on December 8 in Doha, Qatar.

  • Lagos, Kwara rule at NTTF U-16 national league

    Lagos, Kwara rule at NTTF U-16 national league

    Lagos and Kwara States confirmed why they remain the best table tennis playing states in the country after their lads claimed the titles at the maiden Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) U-16 national league concluded at the weekend in Lagos.

    With this, another set of junior stars have been discovered from NTTF U-16 national league with Lagos’ Emmanuel Augustine and Kwara’s Sukurat Aiyelabegan becoming champions of the one-week tournament.

    The two players were never considered as favourites for the titles but records were thrown into the trash bin after the youngsters dazed most of their opponents to come out on top.

    Southpaw Augustine beat other top players to the overall title after garnering 84 points as well as the highest earning player with N25,000 as his total prize money for his efforts in the boys’ event.

    Like Augustine, Aiyelabegan topped the girls’ event with 66 points and a prize money of N16,000 for all her efforts in the tournament.

    Other players that made the top three in the boys’ event are Lagos’ duo of Jamiu Ayanwale and Qudus Surmer while in the girls’ cadre Aiyelegan was joined in the top three by Kwara’s Rofiat Jimoh and Lagos’ Zainab Surmer.