The 5th Efunkoya National Cadet Table Tennis Championships has entered the knockout stage, with matches scheduled for Friday, August 23, at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos.
The tournament, featuring players from 17 states and 20 clubs, is organized by the Efunkoya Table Tennis Foundation in partnership with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF). According to Ranti Lajide, the foundation’s spokesperson, the selection process was rigorous, with some over-aged participants disqualified to make way for emerging talent. Lajide expressed optimism about the potential for new champions this year, particularly in the boys’ category.
A notable development this year is the increased focus on female players, as the foundation aims to address the aging national player roster. “We are excited to see more girls participating, which is crucial for the future of the sport,” Lajide said.
The championships include five events: boys’ singles, girls’ singles, boys’ doubles, girls’ doubles, and mixed doubles. The doubles and mixed doubles events will be highlighted on Saturday, August 24, as the tournament reaches its climax.
Funded by former players and table tennis enthusiasts, the tournament aligns with the foundation’s mission to nurture new talent and promote the sport. The late Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, who began his involvement in table tennis administration in 1962 and served as Chairman of the Nigeria Table Tennis Association in 1963, remains a key figure in the foundation’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the sport.
