450 Tennis Players To Converge On Osun For National Festival

No fewer than 450 table tennis players and enthusiasts across Nigeria are expected in Otan-Ayegbaju town in Osun State for the 5th edition of the Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Festival.

The tournament, sponsored by Michael and Felicia Alabi and organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, will be held at the Idera multi-purpose hall in Otan Ayegbaju between April 27 and May 3, 2025.

Addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State chapter, at the Osogbo Township Stadium to herald the annual championship for 2025, the chairman of the Osun State Table Tennis Association, Mr Ayodeji Alabi, explained that the cash prizes for winners of the tournament for this year have been jacked up, saying N11.5 million has been set aside for cash prizes alone.

Alabi said that the tournament would not only promote table tennis but would also foster a sense of community, showcasing Nigerian culture and talent and discovering more talents in table tennis.

He said 35 states of the federation have registered to participate.

The table tennis guru lamented that the table tennis game had been in obscurity, stating that the festival would bring the sport back to limelight.

Alabi disclosed that persons with disabilities would also be participating in the tournament.