Rising stars shine as Akanbi, Asaju headline Alabi Memorial success

Posted : 21 April 2026

The 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State, delivered more than just champions as it highlighted the rapid growth and emerging depth within Nigerian table tennis.

Inside the newly commissioned Idera Multi-Purpose Hall, over 200 players from across the country battled over five days for a share of the enhanced ₦5 million prize pool, reflecting the tournament’s rising profile on the national circuit.

While Rilwan Akanbi and Bisola Asaju claimed the headline titles, the bigger story was the shifting competitive landscape marked by new winners, surprise exits, and the emergence of promising young talents.

Akanbi’s triumph in the men’s singles symbolised persistence paying off. After overcoming defending champion Abdulbasit Abdulfatai in a fiercely contested semifinal, he sealed the title with a composed 4–2 victory over Wasiu Azeez in the final.

In the women’s event, Bisola Asaju took full advantage of an open field following the shock round-of-16 exit of reigning champion Hope Udoaka.

She maintained her focus to defeat Favour Ojo 4–2, confirming her status as one of the rising forces in the women’s game.

The junior categories further reinforced optimism for the sport’s future. Chinenye Okafor delivered a dominant performance to win the girls’ U-15 title, brushing aside debutant Deborah Festus 3–0. Despite the loss, Festus earned plaudits for her fearless run, marking her out as one to watch.

Similarly, Umar Ayoola stamped his authority in the boys’ U-15 division, securing a comfortable 3–0 victory over Abdulateef Abdulsalam to underline his growing reputation.

Beyond the competition, the tournament served as a platform for recognition and inspiration. Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Tunde Popoola, praised the organisers led by Ayodeji Alabi for sustaining a competition that continues to nurture talent and provide pathways to national team selection.

A special highlight of the event was the celebration of veteran umpire John Peters, who recently turned 80.

Widely regarded as Nigeria’s oldest international umpire, his continued presence at top events remains a powerful symbol of dedication and longevity in the sport.

As the curtain fell in Otan Ayegbaju, the message was clear: Nigerian table tennis is not only thriving but evolving, driven by a new generation ready to take centre stage.

The 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial successfully showcased the immense potential of Nigeria's youth in table tennis through record participation and high-level competition. With the emergence of new champions like Akanbi and Asaju alongside promising junior talents, the sport's future in the country appears exceptionally bright. This tournament solidified its status as a vital pipeline for developing the next generation of international stars.

Rising stars shine as Akanbi, Asaju headline Alabi Memorial success

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