SPORTS
Table Tennis Championship: 250 Players for Alabi Memorial in Osun
No fewer than 250 players from across the country are expected to participate in the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Championship scheduled to hold in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun.
The tournament will take place at the Idera Multipurpose Hall from April 12 to April 17.
A statement issued on Sunday by Adesoji Tayo, President, Nigerian Table Tennis Federation, stated that they would partner the Osun Government and the Osun Table Tennis Association to ensure a successful championship.
“The tournament is a championship that has grown into one of the nation’s most prestigious sporting events,” he said.
Tayo said that the event founded in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, has transcended its memorial roots to become a powerful platform for nurturing future champions.
“Over the years, it has given rising talents the chance to shine on the national stage while offering seasoned athletes an arena to reaffirm their dominance.
“Today, it stands as a vital bridge between grassroots participation and elite competition, embodying resilience, inclusivity and excellence.
“The 2026 edition promises to be the grandest yet as more than 250 players from all 36 states of Nigeria will converge on Otan Ayegbaju, transforming the town into a vibrant hub of sporting brilliance.
“The young prospects, seasoned professionals, veterans, para-athletes and deaf athletes will compete side by side, underscoring the tournament’s unwavering commitment to unity and equal opportunity,” he said.
The table tennis president added that categories span from Under-15 singles to veteran, para and deaf divisions, to ensure that every athlete had a stage to showcase their skill and determination.
He said that the championship, organised in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, had grown over the years into one of Nigeria’s notable table tennis competitions.
Tayo noted that participants were expected from the 36 states of the federation, featuring young prospects, seasoned professionals, veterans, para-athletes and deaf athletes.
“The event is designed to provide a platform for emerging talents to compete at a higher level while also giving experienced players the opportunity to showcase their skills.
“The competition is also expected to attract coaches, scouts, administrators and table tennis enthusiasts from different parts of the country.
The week-long tournament is expected to boost economic activities in Otan Ayegbaju as visitors and participants arrive for the event.
It will also give young people in the host community the opportunity to witness top-level table tennis competition.
Guinea will face Nigeria’s Flamingos in the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Guineans defeated Niger Republic 3-0 in the second leg of their qualifying fixture in Conakry on Saturday.
They won the contest 8-2 on aggregate, following their 5-2 triumph in the first leg last week.
The winner of the Flamingos versus Guinea clash will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos set up camp in Abuja for the clash with their fellow West Africans last week.
Newly appointed head coach, Akeem Busari invited 36 players to camp for the team’s preparation.
The Nigerian National League (NNL) side, Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, has trimmed its squad and retained a few quality players to push for promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Lobi Stars Chairman Simon Ikya made the disclosure in a statement signed by Austin Tyowua, Principal Media Officer to the club, and made it available to newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi.
Ikya said that the club took the decision after a meeting with all the players and technical staff at McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi.
The chairman explained that the decision was rooted in duty rather than dislike.
He stated that the players on the exit list would be granted clearance at the end of April once their entitlements were settled.
Ikya added that for those retained, there would be no room for laxity.
The chairman urged them to tighten their belts, keep the focus, and drive the Federation Cup campaign all the way to its final stop.
Meanwhile, the list of retained players was read out by the head coach, John Onuh.
The Kogi State Government has pledged to prioritise the development of basketball in the state to boost the sport’s profile and promote youth engagement.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, made the pledge at the inauguration of the Kogi State Basketball Association on Tuesday in Lokoja.
Anyebe assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to the development of basketball under the administration of Gov.
Ahmed Ododo.Represented by the Director of Sports in the state, James Igah, the commissioner said the administration would focus on nurturing basketball, particularly in rural areas, to enhance youth development.
He added that the government would collaborate with the association to promote sports development across the state.
Anyebe urged the newly inaugurated executives of the association to come up with innovative ideas to advance the sport.
Responding, the Chairman of the Kogi State Basketball Association, Mustapha Abdullahi, reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of basketball in the state.
Abdullahi, who is also the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, commended the state government for its efforts in promoting sports development.
FCT Primary School Teachers Commence Indefinite Strike Today
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Wing, at the weekend said it has concluded an arrangement to commence indefinite strike over...
U-17 WWCQ: Guinea Thrash Niger to Set up Clash with Flamingos
ShareGuinea will face Nigeria’s Flamingos in the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The Guineans defeated...
Zelensky Condemns US Extension of Russian Sanctions Waiver
ShareUkraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a US decision to extend the period during which Russia is allowed to sell oil despite Western sanctions. The move means countries can...
Delta Unveils Plan to Tackle Hunger, Boost Food Security by 2030
ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting food security through the development of a clear and practical implementation work plan aimed...
FG Debunks False Allegation on Hidden Agenda, Federal Revenue Diversion
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja The federal government has refuted media reports to the effect that a significant portion of federation earnings is...
Petrol Consumption Hits 4.93bn Litres in Q1
ShareNigerians consumed about 4.93 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to fuel various economic activities in the first quarter...
Religious Leaders Decry Rising Killings, Economic Hardship
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Growing insecurity across Nigeria has drawn fresh concern from religious leaders, even as the military reports...
Abducted UTME Candidates Regain Freedom, Seek Second Chance
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi A unified picture of relief, controversy and ongoing examination processes emerged on Sunday as authorities confirmed...
Sultan wasn’t invited to Ecumenical Chapel Event – CAN
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, dismissed a misleading opinion and related social...
Joseph Undu Bags National Safety Personality Award in Lagos
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Award-winning Nigerian journalist and security analyst, Joseph Saater Undu, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Safety...