Over five days, more than 200 players from across Nigeria competed fiercely for honours and a share of the ₦5 million prize pool, an increase from ₦3.5 million in the previous edition. Organised under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and powered by the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation, the tournament continues to grow in stature as one of Nigeria’s premier table tennis events.

Akanbi’s road to the men’s singles title was defined by resilience and determination. He dethroned defending champion Abdulbasit Abdulfatai in a high-intensity semifinal clash before defeating Wasiu Azeez 4–2 in the final to claim the crown.

In the women’s singles, Asaju capitalised on a shifting competitive landscape to secure victory. She overcame Favour Ojo 4–2 in the final, following the early exit of reigning champion Hope Udoaka in the round of 16—a development that underscored the rising depth in the women’s game.

The junior categories also delivered standout performances. Chinenye Okafor dominated the girls’ U-15 final with a 3–0 victory over debutant Deborah Festus, whose impressive run to the final drew widespread admiration. Festus was particularly praised by Adesoji Tayo for her fearless display against more experienced opponents.

In the boys’ U-15 category, Umar Ayoola showcased his class with a commanding 3–0 win over Abdulateef Abdulsalam to secure the title.

At the closing ceremony, Tunde Popoola, Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, commended Ayodeji Alabi, chairman of the Osun State Table Tennis Association, for his dedication to sustaining the tournament. He urged participants to leverage the competition as a pathway to national team selection.

The event also paid tribute to a respected figure in Nigerian table tennis, John Peters, who recently turned 80. Recognised as Nigeria’s oldest international umpire, Peters continues to officiate at major competitions, symbolising an enduring commitment to the sport.

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Meshref’s selection places her among an elite group of global sporting figures chosen to mentor young athletes at the Games, which will be staged in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026.

The IOC, working in collaboration with international sports federations, unveiled a diverse list of role models drawn from the 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports on the Dakar programme.

Among those named are Clarisse Agbegnenou (France, judo), Rayssa Leal (Brazil, skateboarding), Blessing Oborududu (Nigeria, wrestling), Jamila Lunkuse (Uganda, swimming), Douglas Brose (Brazil, karate), and Shiwei Zheng (China, badminton).

The Athlete Role Model initiative, introduced at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010, is designed to provide young competitors with direct access to experienced Olympians.

At Dakar 2026, the selected athletes will mentor participants both on and off the field—attending training sessions, offering guidance during competition, and leading workshops on areas such as mental preparation, injury prevention, career planning, and life skills.

Reacting to the programme, Shiwei Zheng described her role as “a powerful extension” of her career, emphasising that true success goes beyond medals.

Other appointees, including Spain’s Asunción Batista and Senegal’s Combe Seck, also highlighted the opportunity to inspire and support the next generation of athletes.

IOC Athletes’ Department Director Kaveh Mehrabi underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that young athletes often look up to Olympians for direction and motivation.

“We have seen the incredible impact Athlete Role Models have had at previous Youth Olympic Games, and we believe these outstanding individuals will play a central role in Dakar,” he said.

For Africa, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games represent a historic breakthrough, bringing together about 2,700 athletes aged 17 and under across three host zones—Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.

Meshref’s appointment is being celebrated as a proud moment for African table tennis and a testament to her enduring influence on the continent’s sporting landscape, as she prepares to inspire a new generation on home soil.

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The young talent, son of Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna, has quickly built a reputation as one of the sport’s most promising youngsters, adding the latest medal to an already growing collection.

His performance in France comes just days after a successful outing in Luxembourg, where he secured both silver and bronze medals under the guidance of his mother and coach, Ganiat Aruna.

Competing in both the boys’ U-11 and U-13 categories in Metz, Junior showed flashes of brilliance despite facing older opponents. While he fell short of progressing in the U-13 event, he delivered a standout performance in the U-11 division.

His journey to the podium began with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Brazil’s Rafael Suguimoto, before taking on French players Lyazid Idrissi and Nolan Lhuissier. In a closely contested encounter, Junior narrowly lost 2-3 to Idrissi, a result that denied him the gold medal. However, he bounced back strongly, defeating Lhuissier 3-0 to secure silver.

Reflecting on the outing, Ganiat described the experience as a valuable learning curve for her children.

“It was painful that he narrowly lost the gold medal, but it was a good experience competing against some of the best young players in the world,” she said.

She noted that the decision to expose Junior and his sister to international competitions is part of a long-term development plan.

“We want them to gain the experience they need for the future. It has not been easy combining coaching with caring for them during the trip, but I am proud of their progress and hopeful they can achieve more than we did,” she added.

Junior’s sister, Mariam Aruna, also showed promise at the tournament. The 13-year-old reached the top 32 in the girls’ U-15 category but did not advance to the main draw in the U-17 event.

With consistent podium finishes across European competitions, Junior Aruna is steadily carving out his own identity in the sport, following in the footsteps of his illustrious father while signaling a bright future for Nigerian table tennis.

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Udoaka, who claimed the title in 2025, was stunned by unseeded Khadijat Okanlawon in a thrilling five-set encounter. The Oyo State-born player battled to a 3-2 victory (11-7, 7-11, 9-11, 11-5, 6-11), setting the tone for a dramatic day of competition.

The surprises did not end there. Rising junior star Fumilayo Ojo delivered a commanding performance to eliminate second seed Sukurat Aiyelabegan in straight sets, 3-0 (11-4, 11-4, 11-4), ensuring that a new women’s singles champion will be crowned at this year’s tournament.

While the women’s draw witnessed major upsets, the men’s top seeds maintained their dominance. Defending champion Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara survived a tough test against veteran David Fayele, edging through 3-2, while Akanbi Rilwan advanced comfortably into the quarterfinals.

The tournament, held at the newly constructed Idera Multi-Purpose Hall, has drawn over 200 players from across Nigeria competing for a ₦5 million prize pool, an increase from last year’s ₦3.5 million. The event continues to cement its status as one of the premier fixtures on the national sporting calendar.

Organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and supported by the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation, this year’s edition features 14 events, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veteran categories across U-15, men’s, and women’s competitions.

With the women’s field thrown wide open following Thursday’s upsets, fans are set for an exciting finale as the tournament concludes on Friday.

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Over 200 players drawn from across the country are battling for honours in the national championship, which offers a total prize pool of ₦5 million and continues to grow in stature as one of Nigeria’s leading table tennis events.

The competition has transformed Otan Ayegbaju into a lively centre of sporting activity, with dignitaries, athletes, and enthusiasts converging on the town for the week-long tournament.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, urged participants to blend discipline with their talent while representing their states with pride. He also commended sponsor Ayodeji Alabi for sustaining the competition and encouraged other well-meaning Nigerians to invest in sports development as a means of addressing youth restiveness.

“Success is not only about being great athletes but also about character. Avoid doping and substances that can harm your future,” Adewusi cautioned.

On the table, defending men’s singles champion and top seed Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara fought hard to secure his place in the round of 16 after a challenging encounter. In the women’s category, top seed Hope Udoaka maintained her fine form to progress comfortably.

This year’s edition features 14 events, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veterans’ categories, with competitions spanning U-15, men’s, and women’s divisions. The increase in prize money from ₦3.5 million to ₦5 million highlights the tournament’s rising profile.

Tournament referee John Peters praised the organisers and sponsor for providing a conducive environment for players and officials.

“The friendly atmosphere here allows players to relax after matches and build friendships, which ultimately improves their performance,” Peters noted.

The tournament is organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, with support from the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation. Matches are being held at the newly constructed Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju.

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The 10-year-old sensation, son of African table tennis icon Quadri Aruna, delivered a remarkable performance that underlines his growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents.

Competing in the boys’ U-13 singles on April 9, Junior Aruna displayed resilience and fighting spirit to secure a bronze medal. His campaign began on a difficult note with a 3-0 defeat to Italy’s Mattia Somaini, but the youngster responded in style, edging Lorenzo Armani 3-2 before overpowering Aaron Xia 3-0 to advance from the group stage.

He maintained his momentum in the knockout rounds, sweeping Poland’s Antoni Zajac 3-0 in the round of 16 and defeating Bulgaria’s Dan Zhelyazkov 3-1 in the quarterfinals. His impressive run, however, came to an end in the semifinals against France’s Sacha Douaran, settling for a well-earned bronze.

Undeterred, Aruna returned stronger in the U-11 category on April 11, where he went a step further to claim silver. After progressing from the group stage, he produced one of the standout performances of the tournament, defeating Luxembourg’s Noah Wolter 3-2 in a tense semifinal clash to book a place in the final.

In the final, he faced Bulgaria’s Zhelyazkov once again in a closely contested encounter. Aruna pushed his opponent to the limit, narrowly losing the opening game 15-13 before going down 11-8, 11-8 in the next two sets to settle for second place.

Guided by his mother and coach, Ganiat, Junior Aruna’s performance in Luxembourg highlighted not only his technical ability but also his composure and determination under pressure.

His two-medal outing—bronze in the U-13 and silver in the U-11—marks a significant milestone in his budding career and signals the emergence of a new generation in Nigerian table tennis.

With his fearless style and strong pedigree, Junior Aruna’s breakthrough performance is widely seen as the beginning of a promising journey, as he looks set to follow—and perhaps redefine—the legacy established by his father on the global stage.

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Suleimon achieved the landmark feat in the women’s –54 kg category, overcoming top contenders from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan in a remarkable run that underscored her resilience and skill.

Making her international debut, the Lagos State judo champion announced herself on the global stage with a hard-fought 12–10 victory over Kazakhstan’s Abdinazarova Elnara in her opening bout. She then produced a commanding performance in the final, defeating Uzbekistan’s Ortikova Charos 13–2 after recovering from an early scare.

Her triumph not only makes her the first Nigerian and African to win gold at an international sambo event, but also the first female blind athlete globally to achieve such a milestone in the sport.

Suleimon was part of a pioneering group of female blind sambists competing at the tournament organised by the International Sambo Federation (FIAS), alongside fellow Nigerian Elizabeth Aseso, who featured in the women’s -59kg category but narrowly missed out on a podium finish.

Speaking after her historic victory, Suleimon expressed gratitude for the support she received and reflected on the challenges of her debut appearance.

“I promised I would not return to Nigeria empty-handed, and I thank God I achieved my dream of winning gold. It was not easy—I was nervous in each fight since it was my first international tournament. But I conquered my fear and gave my best,” she said. “I am excited and grateful to God, my coach, and Mr. Sherif Hammed for making this possible. I hope to compete more internationally and look forward to the World Championships in November.”

Her achievement continues Nigeria’s steady rise in blind sambo. In 2024, Samuel Oladele Kekere became the first Nigerian and African to compete in the category at the World Cup, while Sodiq Ajibade secured a bronze medal in 2025.

Vice President of the Nigeria Sambo Association, Sherif Hammed, described Suleimon’s victory as a watershed moment for the country and the continent.

“For Nigeria to produce the first blind sambist to win gold at the World Cup is humbling. It is not just a victory for Nigeria but for Africa. This performance proves that with the right support, Nigeria can consistently compete at the highest level,” he said. “It sends a strong message that disability is not inability and reinforces our mission to create opportunities for visually impaired athletes to excel and represent Africa on the world stage.”

The World Sambo Cup, held at the Gazprom Educational-Sports Complex in Armenia, featured elite competitors from around the world across Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Blind Sambo categories. Beyond the medals, the event also served to strengthen international sporting ties, improve global rankings, and advance the sport’s push for Olympic recognition.

Suleimon’s gold medal now stands as a defining moment for Nigeria in the sport, further elevating the country’s growing reputation in international sambo.

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The championship, established in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi—parents of Osun State Table Tennis Association chairman, Ayodeji Alabi—has grown into one of the country’s most prominent grassroots and elite table tennis competitions.

This year’s edition is expected to be the biggest yet, attracting over 300 players from across Nigeria, as Otan Ayegbaju transforms into a bustling centre of sporting activity.

Defending men’s singles champion, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara State, will headline the competition as he seeks to retain his title. However, the absence of national champion Matthew Kuti and Muiz Adegoke—both preparing for the upcoming ITTF World Championships in London—has opened up the field, setting the stage for potential new champions to emerge.

A total of 14 events will be contested, spanning singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veterans categories across U-15, men’s, and women’s divisions. The increase in prize money from ₦3.5 million to ₦5 million underscores the growing stature of the tournament.

Tournament referee John Peters described participation as “overwhelming,” noting a significant rise in youth involvement.

“It has been impressive, particularly with the huge participation across all events. I am thrilled to see more youngsters competing this year because they are the future of the sport,” Peters said. “This tournament is unique—the sponsor ensures all participants are well catered for, which motivates teams to return annually. Given the rising talent, we may witness new champions in several categories.”

The competition is organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, with support from the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation. Matches will be held at the newly constructed Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju.

In the women’s category, defending champion Hope Udoaka of Cross River State will also be in focus as she aims to maintain her dominance in what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.

With a blend of established stars and emerging talents, the 2026 edition is poised to further cement its status as a key platform for developing Nigeria’s next generation of table tennis champions.

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Goda’s landmark achievement, recorded on Friday in Macao, China, also saw her equal the feat set by Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna, who became the first African to reach the last eight of the competition in 2014.

It has taken 12 years for Africa to produce another World Cup quarterfinalist, but Goda’s accomplishment carries even greater significance as she becomes both the first Egyptian and the first African woman to reach this stage of the tournament.

The 16-year-old announced her arrival in style during the group phase, dominating Group 14 with commanding 3-0 victories over Macao’s Leong On Na and Chinese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching to advance to the knockout rounds.

Her defining moment came in a thrilling round-of-16 clash against France’s Jia Nan Yuan. After narrowly losing the opening game 11-9, Goda showed remarkable composure to fight back and level the contest before taking the lead. The experienced French opponent responded to push the match into a decisive seventh game.

In a dramatic finale, Goda trailed 7-10 but mounted a stunning comeback, saving match points to win 13-11 and secure a historic victory. Overcome with emotion, she collapsed to the floor in celebration after sealing her place in the quarterfinals.

“It is a joy and feeling that I can’t describe,” Goda said after the match. “It was a very strong match… we arrived at 3-3, and in the last game I was down 7-10 but fought back to win 13-11. Our Lord is generous.”

She also paid tribute to her coach, Hisham Ismail, for his unwavering belief throughout the contest.

Goda’s breakthrough represents a significant milestone for African table tennis, particularly for women’s participation in the sport, and signals a promising future for the continent on the global stage.

Her next challenge, however, will be formidable, as she is set to face world No. 1 Sun Yingsha of China in the quarterfinals.

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The competition, scheduled from March 30 to April 5, carries historic significance as the International Table Tennis Federation celebrates 100 years of the sport’s global administration. A total of 48 men and 48 women will compete for the prestigious Evans and Hammarlund Cups.

Aruna, Africa’s most decorated player on the global stage and the only African to have reached the World Cup quarterfinals—achieved in 2014 in Düsseldorf—has been drawn in Group 6 alongside Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar and Japan’s Sora Matsushima. The Nigerian will open his campaign on Monday against Pucar in what is expected to be a crucial tie in a tightly contested group.

Other African representatives also face formidable opposition. Egypt’s Omar Assar is placed in Group 5 with Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Jun-Yu. Meanwhile, Algeria’s debutant Stephane Ouaiche faces a stern test against France’s Simon Gauzy and China’s Wen Ruibo in Group 15.

In the women’s event, Africa’s hopes rest on a mix of youth and experience. Egypt’s rising star Hana Goda, the reigning African champion, will compete in Group 14 against Chinese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching and Macao’s Leong On Na, as she aims to improve on her last-16 finish in 2025.

Veteran Dina Meshref faces one of the toughest assignments in the tournament, drawn in Group 1 alongside China’s world number one Sun Yingsha and Lin Yu-Jhun.

Also in action, Egypt’s Mariam Alhodaby will take on Germany’s Sabine Winter and Wales’ Anna Hursey in Group 12. At the same time, Algeria’s teenage prospect Tania Morice makes her debut in Group 16 against Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi and Romania’s Bernadette Szocs.

This year’s tournament introduces a significant format change, with Stage 1 group matches to be played as best-of-five games, increasing the intensity and leaving little margin for error. Only group winners will progress to the knockout stage, setting the stage for high-stakes encounters throughout the week.

With a difficult draw across both the men’s and women’s events, Africa’s representatives will need to deliver top-level performances to advance in what promises to be one of the most competitive editions in the tournament’s history.

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