Hussein, Ize win fifth Efunkoya National Cadet Table Tennis Championships

Kwara State’s Faruq Hussein, and Sezuo Ize of Kogi State, at the weekend, won the boy’s and girls’ categories, respectively, of the Fifth Efunkoya National Cadet Championships played at the National Stadium, Lagos.

The tournament, organised by the Efunkoya Table Tennis Foundation, in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), is aimed at producing future stars that will replace aging players in the national teams.

To claim the boys’ singles title, number two seed, Hussein was unbeaten in all his matches in the group stage and defeated Yusuf Solomon of Aruna Sports Club 3-1 (11- 7, 9-11, 11-7, 11-30 to be crowned the new champion.

Unlike Hussein, Ize played her best in the semifinal when she edged out former champion, Aishat Rabiu of Lagos, and completed her dominance in the final when she thrashed Chinenye Okafor of Abia State 3-0 (13-11, 12-10, 13-11) to win her maiden national title.

For their efforts, Hussein and Ize were awarded educational scholarships, as well as brand-new laptops by the Efunkoya Foundation, while other winners in the doubles and mixed doubles got cash prizes for their victories.

Awards like the youngest player, most behaved player, youngest players, the most improved player, as well as Most Valuable Players were given to winners by the organizers.

Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, observed that the tournament has thrown up new stars.   He, however, called for more tournaments to sharpen the skills of the players, as well as, expose them to international tournaments.

The event is staged yearly by Ekunkoya Table Tennis Foundation to honour the memory of the former chairman of the Nigeria Table Tennis Association chairman, Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, whose administration brought good fortunes to table tennis in Nigeria.

Over 120 players drawn from 17 states and 20 clubs competed for honours in five events.   This year’s edition started with a two-day coaching clinic to prepare the youngsters for the three-day championships.