3rd Daniel Ford Elite Youth Table Tennis Tournament: Adegoke, Kuti, Abdulfatai Set for Thrilling Final Showdown

Posted : 19 December 2025

The third Daniel Ford Elite Youth Table Tennis Tournament kicked off on Friday, December 19, at Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, featuring top young talent from across Nigeria. Reigning national champion Muiz Adegoke is poised to defend his crown against former champion Matthew Kuti and defending champion Abdulbasit Abdulfatai in what promises to be a high-stakes finale.

Adegoke enters the competition in fine form, having recently won the Governor Diri Top 16 Cup in Bayelsa and a Lagos club title, both of which featured some of Nigeria’s strongest players. “I feel confident with my recent results, but this tournament is different,” he said. “I want to finally win the Daniel Ford title.” His previous performances in the event have been mixed, reaching the top four in 2023 but exiting at the group stage last year.

Earlier this year, a dip in form cost Adegoke his national team position, making this tournament crucial to his ambitions. “This is my opportunity to prove myself again. I know what is at stake,” he added, underlining his determination to reclaim his top spot in Nigerian youth table tennis.

Challenging him are national teammates Kuti and Abdulfatai, both eager to reassert themselves. Kuti, once hailed as Nigeria’s next big table tennis star, has faced recent setbacks, losing 4-0 to Adegoke in Bayelsa and again in Lagos. “I have had setbacks, but Lagos always brings out the best in me. I want my title back,” Kuti said confidently.

Abdulfatai, a left-handed player from Kwara, has also struggled with early exits in recent tournaments. “I know my form has dipped. This tournament is where I respond,” he said, highlighting the importance of strong performances in defending his title.

The U-19 category promises exciting competition, with African Youth Games mixed team champion Matthew Fabunmi and cadet prodigy Usman Ayoola challenging established names. In the girls’ U-19 division, defending champion Kabirat Ayoola faces former winner Sukurat Aiyelabegan, alongside Aishat Rabiu and Kogi’s Ise Sezuo. Adding to the excitement, a U-12 category has been introduced, showcasing Nigeria’s emerging table tennis talent.

The two-day tournament has become a key fixture on the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation calendar. Both the U-19 and U-15 categories feature 16 players each, drawn into four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage, ensuring a competitive and action-packed event.

3rd Daniel Ford Elite Youth Table Tennis Tournament: Adegoke, Kuti, Abdulfatai Set for Thrilling Final Showdown

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