Calabar, Nigeria – The wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, has commended the Canaan Queens of the Canaan Table Tennis Club for their outstanding performance at the ITTF 2025 African Clubs Championships held in Tunisia.
Converseer reports that the team, representing the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), clinched a bronze medal, making the state and country proud at the continental stage.
The Queens emerged as one of the top performers out of 54 participating countries in the tournament. Their remarkable performance has been celebrated as a historic achievement for Nigerian table tennis and a testament to the talent and dedication of the players.
In a statement addressed to the Chairman of the Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, on Tuesday, Bishop Otu praised the team for their hard work, resilience, and determination.
Known for her passion for the empowerment of the girl child and her commitment to humanity, Bishop Otu highlighted the significance of the Canaan Queens’ success as an inspiration to young girls across Nigeria.
“The Canaan Table Tennis Club has made us proud once again. Their performance in Tunisia is not just a victory for Cross River State but for the entire nation. As someone deeply passionate about the empowerment of the girl child, I am particularly inspired by the Canaan Queens, who have shown that with determination and hard work, girls can achieve greatness in any field,” Bishop Otu said.
She also commended the club’s management and coaches for their role in nurturing the talents of the players, adding that their success is a reflection of the state’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.
Bishop Otu also acknowledged the support of her husband, Governor Bassey Otu, whose administration has consistently encouraged sports development in the state. She noted that the governor’s commitment to providing the necessary resources and motivation for athletes has played a significant role in the team’s success.
“I must also appreciate my husband, His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his unwavering support for sports and youth development in Cross River State. His encouragement has greatly inspired the players, and this victory is a testament to his vision for a state where young people can thrive and excel,” she added.
On his part, Rt. Hon. Duke, who is also the State’s representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, congratulated the team for their superlative performance. He described the victory as a proud moment for Nigeria and Cross River State, positioning the country as a force to reckon with in global sports.
“This victory once again positions Nigeria as one of the best in the world, both in table tennis and in other sports. We are proud of the Canaan Queens and grateful for the support of the Cross River State government, which has been instrumental in this achievement,” Duke said.
