The chairman of Adegboyega Efunkoya Sports Foundation, Babatunde Obisanya has disclosed that the organisation’s annual youth table tennis competition is aimed at butressing the possibility of sports talents combining their training programmes with academic activities.
Sports247 reports that the former international player and national team coach stated this while reviewing the 7th Adegboyega Efunkoya National U-15 Table Tennis Championship, which began on Tuesday with a two-day clinic at Lagos National Stadium, Surulere.
Obisanya pointed out that the championship has produced a large number of outstanding talents for Nigeria’s table tennis national teams, among whom is Matthew Kuti, who was discovered during the maiden edition and is now a key member of the senior squad.
While pointing out that Kuti is also Africa’s reigning under-19 champion, the chairman added that other products of the competition include Khadijat Musa as well as the Ayoola siblings – Umar, Usman and Kabirat – who are all currently junior national team players for Nigeria.
As the competition hit a climax this weekend, Obisanya added that more future national champions have already emerged, while hundreds of youngsters took part in the clinic that was designed to sharpen strokes, footwork and tactical approaches, while also boosting discipline and innovation.
Obisanya emphasised important features of the clinic, which included lectures in physical conditioning and modern training techniques, with steps towards preparing players for the rigors of competition and offering them a platform to impress national selectors.
The former national team tactician added: “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.
“Our mission is to continue the legacy of Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya in ensuring that players combine sports with education. Beyond competition, we remain committed to supporting the education of players who excel.”
