Efunkoya Championship Continues to Discover Nigeria’s Next Table Tennis Stars

By Dorcas Francis Koji

The Adegboyega Efunkoya Sports Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to developing young table tennis talents and supporting their education as the annual Adegboyega Efunkoya Championship continues to make an impact on the sport in Nigeria.

The Foundation expressed appreciation for the growing support from stakeholders around the world, including former Nigerian players in the diaspora, administrators and table tennis enthusiasts who continue to identify with its vision.

“We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from stakeholders worldwide—former players in the diaspora, administrators, and enthusiasts who believe in our vision,” the Foundation said.

It stressed that the competition remains committed to preserving the legacy of Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, while ensuring that young athletes understand the importance of combining sporting excellence with education.

“Our mission is to continue the legacy of Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, ensuring that players combine sports with education. Each year we introduce new innovations, and this year will be no different,” the Foundation added.

Beyond providing a platform for competition, the championship also offers educational support to players who demonstrate excellence both academically and in table tennis.

Since its establishment, the championship has become an important pathway for identifying and nurturing young talents who have gone on to represent Nigeria at international level.

Among its notable discoveries is Matthew Kuti, who emerged from the inaugural edition of the championship and has since established himself as a member of Nigeria’s senior team and Africa’s reigning U-19 champion.

Other products of the championship include Khadijat Musa and the Ayoola siblings Umar, Usman and Kabirat who currently represent Nigeria at junior level.

The achievements of these players underline the Foundation’s belief that grassroots competitions can play a significant role in building a strong future for Nigerian table tennis.

The Adegboyega Efunkoya Sports Foundation was established to immortalise the legacy of Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, a former chairman of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation whose contributions helped shape the development of the sport in the country.

Through its programmes, the Foundation continues to promote table tennis among pupils in primary and secondary schools while providing young players with opportunities to develop their skills and pursue competitive careers.

The long-term ambition remains to help position Nigeria among the world’s top 10 table tennis nations, with grassroots development, education and sustained talent identification at the heart of the Foundation’s strategy.