Nigeria’s table tennis talents begin battle for N5m prize in Osun
Nigeria’s table tennis heavyweights begin battle for N5m prize money in Osun
The historic town of Otan Ayegbaju in Osun State will once again welcome Nigeria’s finest table tennis talents from Monday, April 13 to Friday, 17, for the 6th edition of the Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament.
Established in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, parents of Ayodeji Alabi, Chairman of the Osun State Table Tennis Association, the championship has evolved far beyond its memorial roots.
Organisers say the 2026 edition promises to host more than 300 players from across the country converging on Otan Ayegbaju.
Men’s singles defending champion Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara will be aiming to retain his crown in the absence of national champion Matthew Kuti and Muiz Adegoke, who are preparing for the ITTF World Championships in London later this month.
A total of 14 events will be contested across singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veteran categories for U-15, men, and women, with prize money increased to ₦5 million from the previous ₦3.5 million.
Tournament referee John Peters described this year’s turnout as overwhelming.
“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.
“I would not be surprised if new champions emerge in several categories, given the rising talent across the country,” he added.
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, the tournament will be staged at the newly constructed Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju.
All eyes will be on men’s singles champion Abdulfatai and women’s singles champion Hope Udoaka of Cross River State, as they look to defend their titles.
