NTTF Mourns Former National Coach Babatunde Obisanya, Dead at 77

Posted : 09 October 2026

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is mourning the death of former national coach Babatunde Obisanya, who passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the age of 77. He died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) after a prolonged illness.

In a statement, NTTF President Adesoji Tayo described Obisanya as a respected figure whose contributions helped shape table tennis in Nigeria and across Africa. The federation highlighted his achievements as a player, his long coaching career and his continued support for the sport after retirement.

“It is sad to hear of the passing of one of Nigeria’s longest-serving players and coaches, Babatunde Obisanya, whose immense contribution to the sport cannot be overstated,” Tayo said.

Obisanya made history in 1968 when he became the first men's singles champion of the now-defunct Asoju Oba Cup. His performances also earned him national recognition, and in 1976 he was named Nigeria's Sportsman of the Year alongside celebrated athletics star Modupe Osikoya.

During his playing career, Obisanya represented Nigeria at several major international competitions, including the African Games, African Championships and World Championships. He was regarded as one of the country's leading table tennis players during the 1970s.

His international achievements included a notable partnership with Lateef Sunmola during the era of “Ping Pong Diplomacy” in 1975. The pair reached major tournament finals and were reported to have been the only non-Asian duo to achieve that feat at the level described in contemporary accounts.

Following his playing career, Obisanya became head coach of Nigeria's national table tennis team in 1976. He held the position until 2010, overseeing generations of players and helping develop talents who represented the country internationally.

Among the players he mentored and evaluated was Nigerian table tennis legend Segun Toriola. His coaching career spanned more than three decades, making him one of the most enduring figures in the country's table tennis system.

Even after retiring from the national coaching role in 2010, Obisanya remained involved in the sport. He continued attending national competitions, offering advice to federation officials and sharing his experience with younger players.

He also played a key role in the Adegboyega Efunkoya National Under-15 Table Tennis Championship, serving as chairman and supporting efforts to combine education with youth sports development.

Tayo said Obisanya remained committed to the sport long after leaving his coaching position. He described the late coach as a father figure to many players and said his absence would be deeply felt across Nigeria's table tennis community and the wider African sporting family.

Obisanya's death marks the loss of a prominent figure whose influence extended from competitive play to coaching and sports administration. His decades of service helped shape Nigerian table tennis and supported the development of successive generations of players.

NTTF Mourns Former National Coach Babatunde Obisanya, Dead at 77

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