By Daily Sports Nigeria on May 24, 2025

The quest for table tennis glory at the 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed Gateway Games 2024, begins on Saturday (today), at the Alake Sports Complex in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Notably, foreign-based stars such as Olajide Omotayo, Azeez Solanke, and Taiwo Mati will represent Bayelsa State, bringing international flair and experience to the competition.

Lagos State enters the fray with national champion Matthew Kuti and Muiz Adegoke leading the charge, while other strong contenders from Kwara, Ondo, Oyo, and Delta States are poised to make their mark.

According to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, the event’s start was slightly delayed to accommodate the conclusion of the badminton tournament, which shares the same venue.

The PUNCH reports that the badminton federation had to reduce their events after their expanded competition was racing against time.

“We’re expecting a more competitive tournament this year, with increased participation from teams that haven’t featured in recent editions. Some players are coming straight from the ITTF World Championships in Doha, so fans should brace for fireworks in the team, doubles, and singles categories,” the NTTF said in a statement.

Omotayo, currently Nigeria’s second-highest-ranked player globally, will face fierce opposition from top home-based talents like Kuti, Adegoke, and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.

Kuti, one of the most consistent performers on the national circuit, is seeking his first National Sports Festival title after a string of recent tournament successes.

Abdulfatai, fresh off a national tournament victory in Osun State, is also a strong contender in both singles and doubles.

Oyo State, guided by Coach Dotun Omoniyi, is not to be underestimated. The team features seasoned campaigners like Akinwale Fagbamila and Joshua Olaniran, who bring experience and grit to the Sunshine State’s campaign.

In the para table tennis event, the spotlight will be on hometown hero and Paris Paralympics bronze medalist Isau Ogunkunle, who will be looking to assert his dominance in the Men’s Class 4 singles event.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games medalist Faith Obazuaye will spearhead the Edo State contingent in the women’s para category.

The event is expected to run from Saturday till May 28 at the Alake Sports Complex.

Source Punch Ng

Posted May 24, 2025

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