Ms.Offiong Edem (3rd L), the FOC, Eastern Naval Command Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwabhire (4th L) and the winners.
By Akanimo Kufre
John Mathew of Bayelsa State last Saturday defeated Bright Udoh of Cross River State 4-0 to clinch the U17 Boys gold for the second consecutive time.
The over-excited Bayelsa table tennis champion, Mathew said he remained focused despite Bright’s early lead and home support.
“In Bayelsa, we say leading is not winning. The end justifies. Bright is a good player but gives up so easily. I thank the Bayelsa team for their support especially our Chairman, Mr. Ama Ebi.”
Mathew had a more convincing victory in 2024 compared to the 2023 edition of the Offiong Edem Foundation Table Tennis mini tournament.
Some of the players in action at the tournament.
Seven states participated from South South and South East including, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta and about 70 teenage players registered to play in the Under 14 and 17 categories for both male and female teams.
The 4th edition of the Offiong Edem Foundation table tennis tournament was witnessed by prominent individuals such as Cross River State Representative on the Board of NDDC, Hon. Orok Duke, FOC, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwabhire, NTTF South-South Mr. Ama Ebi and Mr. Godfada Uko, Board Member, Premium Table Tennis Club among others.
In an interview with some newsmen earlier, the number one Table Tennis Star in Nigeria, Ms. Offiong Edem has called for the introduction of Table Tennis league in the country as this will boost the standard of the game otherwise it will be difficult for the nation’s table tennis players to compete favourably outside the country.
Edem who is one of the athletes to represent Nigeria at the Olympic in Paris this year, said a national league in Table Tennis like what you have in some countries like Egypt and what we have in football will improve the quality of players in the country.
