By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-04-03 05:13:39
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has announced that the yearly Michael & Felicia Alabi Memorial Championship has been upgraded to a national ranking event. This decision marks a significant step in the growth and development of table tennis in Nigeria as it provides players with the opportunity to earn national ranking points and showcase their skills on a larger platform.
The fourth edition of the championship is scheduled to take place from April 22 to 26 at Otan-Ayegbaju, Osun State. The organisers, the Osun State Table Tennis Association (OSTTA), have been working tirelessly to ensure the successful hosting of the event. The NTTF is also offering technical support to the championship, which is sponsored by OSTTA Chairman, Ayodeji Alabi, with support from Canada-based Jodal Health Care.
NTTF Vice Chairman, Adesoji Tayo, expressed his excitement about the growth of the tournament over the years and emphasized the importance of using it as a ranking event for players across the country. He highlighted the success stories of past champions who have gone on to represent Nigeria at the national level, attributing their achievements to their participation in the championship.
“We are impressed with what we have seen so far in the competition because most of the players that had won the tournament have found their way into the national team. We hope that this year’s event will be bigger and more exciting considering the performance of most of the players in major international tournaments like the just concluded 13th African Games in Ghana,” said Tayo.
Ayodeji Alabi, the sponsor of the championship, assured that all arrangements have been made for the seamless transportation and accommodation of all athletes and officials participating in the event. Hotels have been booked, and buses will be provided to convey athletes and officials from their camps to the venue on a daily basis. Additionally, security agencies have been engaged to ensure orderliness and provide adequate security for all visitors and guests.
“I want to assure you that the competition will be the best ever organized than the previous editions,” Alabi stated confidently.
The upgraded status of the Michael & Felicia Alabi Memorial Championship as a national ranking event is expected to attract top players from across the country, creating a competitive and exciting atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. With the continued support of the NTTF, sponsors, and organisers, the championship is poised to be a significant platform for the development and promotion of table tennis in Nigeria.
