The quest for table tennis glory at the 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed Gateway Games 2024, begins on Saturday, May 24, at the Alake Sports Centre in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
As one of the headline events of Nigeria’s own Olympic-style festival, table tennis has attracted a significant turnout of teams from across the country. Notably, foreign-based stars such as Olajide Omotayo, Azeez Solanke, and Taiwo Matti 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 an official from the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), the event’s start was slightly delayed to accommodate the conclusion of the badminton tournament, which shares the same venue.
“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 official stated.
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.
From May 24 to 28, the Alake Sports Centre will be the epicenter of thrilling table tennis action, as the festival promises to showcase new talents and deliver high-octane matches at this year’s multi-sport extravaganza.
