The seventh Efunkoya Table Tennis Championship ended in Lagos after showcasing emerging players and celebrating the lasting sporting legacy of Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya.
Key takeaways
- Lagos State First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu praised the tournament’s contribution to youth development.
- The competition attracted 132 participants: 81 boys and 51 girls.
- Ahmed Fatimoh won the girls’ singles crown, while Balogun Mubarak took the boys’ title.
- Adesegun Efunkoya returned to the event for the first time in several decades.
- Veterans called for stronger public and private support for Nigeria’s table tennis pathway.
Tribute to Efunkoya and youth development
Represented by Ola Ibitoye, Sanwo-Olu applauded the Efunkoya Sports Foundation for keeping alive the memory of the late physician and trailblazing sports administrator. She said participation in sport helps young people develop concentration, cooperation and the ability to overcome challenges.
The First Lady also linked grassroots competition to her Lagos Boy Child initiative, saying both provide positive activities, guidance and mentorship for young people. She called on aspiring players to pursue their education alongside their athletic goals and urged parents, coaches and sponsors to commit more resources to grassroots sport.
Sanwo-Olu advised the champions to remain modest and told those who did not win to use disappointment as encouragement for improvement. She also reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to programmes aimed at advancing the welfare and prospects of young people.
The championship was made more poignant by the appearance of Adesegun Efunkoya, the late administrator’s oldest son, who had not attended the competition for many years. He spoke about the importance his parents placed on both schoolwork and physical activity.
Adesegun said his father’s commitment to medicine and sport shaped the entire family. Three of the five children eventually entered the medical profession, reflecting that influence.
New talent and competition results
Waheed Ekun, a table tennis veteran who was identified by Efunkoya during the 1970s, highlighted the championship as an important platform for finding talented student players. Foundation board member Lajide Ranti said the latest edition involved 132 youngsters, made up of 81 boys and 51 girls.
Ranti added that several former participants have progressed to represent Nigeria abroad, with some already recording victories on the international scene.
In the singles events, Ahmed Fatimoh claimed the girls’ championship and Balogun Mubarak finished as the boys’ winner. Toun Engore, a former player who now works as a coach, praised the improving quality of the matches.
Engore urged government bodies and private organisations to increase their backing. He said sustained investment in playing equipment, rewards for athletes and regular coaching would be essential to maintain Nigeria’s flow of table tennis talent.
