Table Tennis stars battle for national title in Osun News

The historic town of Otan Ayegbaju in Osun State will once again welcome Nigeria’s finest table tennis talents from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, for the 6th edition of the Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament.

Established in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, parents of Ayodeji Alabi, Chairman of the Osun State Table Tennis Association, the championship has grown into one of the nation’s premier fixtures on the sporting calendar.

The 2026 edition promises to be the most exciting yet, with more than 300 players from across the country converging on Otan Ayegbaju.

Men’s singles defending champion, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara State, will be aiming to retain his crown in the absence of national champion, Matthew Kuti, and Muiz Adegoke, who are preparing for the ITTF World Championships in London later this month.

A total of 14 events will be contested across singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veteran categories for U-15, men, and women, with prize money increased to N5m from the previous N3.5m.

Tournament referee, John Peters, described this year’s turnout as overwhelming.

“It has been impressive, particularly with the huge participation across all events. I am thrilled to see more youngsters competing this year because they are the future of the sport. This tournament is unique—the sponsor ensures all participants are well catered for, and that has motivated teams to return year after year. I would not be surprised if new champions emerge in several categories, given the rising talent across the country.”

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 will be staged at the newly constructed Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju.

With top stars like Kuti and Adegoke absent, all eyes will be on men’s singles champion, Abdulfatai, and women’s singles champion, Hope Udoaka of Cross River State, as they look to defend their titles in what promises to be a fiercely competitive edition.