Rilwan Akanbi and Bisola Asaju Secure National Titles at 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Tournament

Posted : 20 April 2026

The 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament concluded with the crowning of new national champions at the Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State. Rilwan Akanbi claimed the men’s singles title after a challenging campaign. He defeated the defending champion, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, in the semi-finals before securing a 4-2 victory over Wasiu Azeez in the final.

In the women's category, Bisola Asaju rose to prominence by defeating Favour Ojo with a 4-2 scoreline in the final match. The women’s draw saw an early upset when the reigning champion, Hope Udoaka, was eliminated in the round of 16. Asaju took full advantage of the open field to secure her first major title of the season.

The junior events showcased rising talent within the Nigerian table tennis circuit. Umar Ayoola dominated the boys’ U-15 category, winning the final 3-0 against Abdulateef Abdulsalam. In the girls’ U-15 final, Chinenye Okafor defeated debutant Deborah Festus 3-0. Despite the loss, Festus was highly praised by Nigeria Table Tennis Federation President Adesoji Tayo for her impressive run in her first national tournament.

The tournament offered a total prize purse of ₦5m, marking a significant increase from the ₦3.5m awarded during the previous edition. More than 200 athletes from various states across Nigeria participated in the five-day event. This competition is now recognized as a vital fixture for players aiming to catch the eye of national team selectors.

Tunde Popoola, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, attended the closing ceremony to commend the organizers. He praised Ayodeji Alabi, the chairman of the Osun State Table Tennis Association, for his dedication to the sport. Popoola encouraged the athletes to maintain their discipline and use the experience gained in Otan Ayegbaju to prepare for international duties.

The event also served as a platform to honor veteran umpire John Peters, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Peters remains an active figure in the sport, and his contributions were formally acknowledged by the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation. The foundation continues to support the growth of the game in rural and urban areas across Nigeria.

Rilwan Akanbi and Bisola Asaju Secure National Titles at 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Tournament

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