Top seeds, including Abdulbasit Abdulfatai and Hope Udoaka have advanced to the knockout stage of the ongoing 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament, in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.
An astonishing 200 players from across Nigeria are competing for a N5 million prize at the national championships, which has grown into one of the country’s premier fixtures on the table tennis calendar.
Men’s singles defending champion and top seed, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara, battled through a tough contest to reach the last 16, while women’s singles top seed, Hope Udoaka, continued her impressive run.
This year’s edition features 14 events across singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veteran categories, including U-15, men’s, and women’s competitions. The prize money has been increased from N3.5 million to N5 million, underscoring the tournament’s growing stature.
Tournament referee John Peters commended the sponsor for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
“I must commend the friendly environment provided, especially for players and officials to relax after each day. It has been a worthwhile experience that often fosters friendships among the athletes, and this alone motivates them to perform better,” Peters said.
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 is being staged at the newly constructed Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju.