Sports
ITTF Challenge: Obisanya Decries Players’ Poor Performance
A former national coach, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Babatunde Obisanya, has attributed the country’s poor performance at the just-concluded Seamaster ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open to poor technical foundation.
Obisanya told newsmen in Lagos that it was terrible not to have medals to show after hosting such a standard championships in the country.
Tidesports reports that the 46, 000 dollars prize money tournament was hosted by the NTTF at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, from August 9 to August 13.
The championships attended by 95 male and 55 females from 22 countries featured events in the U-21 Boys and Girls, Men’s and Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles.
“The championships were well-organised, and I must give credit to the Local Organising Committee for such impressive activity; but unfortunately, there is nothing to show for the effort by our players.
“Although the players tried in their various events but the fact is that their foundation lacks technical depth and that has affected the entire system and the state of the sport.
“This championships, without mincing words, can be compared to any international competition anywhere in the world but even with home advantage, nothing came out of it,” he said.
Obisanya therefore, called on the NTTF and stakeholders to wake up and do something significant to restore the defective foundation, adding that coaching was not a job for the boys.
“With all due respect, our coaches need more knowledge to regularly polish the skills of players under their watch because you can only give what you have.
“On this note, as with the performances of the Nigerian players in the tournament, the board should know what to do but must take proactive and prompt measures,” he said.
Obisanya said that regular competitions should also be organised to expose the players to circuits, regularly appraise their forms and make them get familiar with competitions.
The match, which ended 2-2 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday, March 28, was marred by a series of serious breaches. According to the NPFL, Bendel Insurance failed to provide adequate matchday security, which allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas within the stadium.
The situation deteriorated further after the final whistle. Supporters of the Benin-based club were found guilty of unsporting behaviour, and match officials were reportedly held hostage for 40 minutes in the aftermath of the game, a development the league described as a direct violation of football governance and safety standards.
Boboye was found guilty of gross misconduct towards a match official, an act deemed to be in breach of the league’s regulations on discipline and fair play.
In addition to the coach’s personal sanction, Bendel Insurance were fined five million naira for the various breaches, with the club also ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors.
The NPFL said the penalties reflected its commitment to maintaining order, professionalism and respect for match officials, particularly in high-pressure situations.
The suspension represents a significant blow to Bendel Insurance at a critical stage of the season, leaving the technical crew to manage upcoming fixtures without Boboye’s direct influence on the touchline. The closed-door order will also deprive the club of home support at the Ogbemudia Stadium, affecting both atmosphere and the financial returns from those matches.
Bendel Insurance retain the right to appeal the ruling through the appropriate NPFL disciplinary channels
According to reports, the accident happened while the club was travelling to Lagos for a Nigeria National League (NNL) fixture.
The club confirmed that the team bus lost control and tumbled near Asaba during the journey.
In a statement, Calabar Rovers said that the accident left several players, officials, and staff injured, with one player in critical condition receiving intensive medical care.
The club described the situation as “a painful moment,” adding that the injured are receiving the best possible treatment and support.
It stated that the welfare of the players remains its top priority during the period.
The club said it appreciates the prayers and urged fans to continue to keep the injured players in their thoughts.
The team was travelling for an away fixture against Sporting Lagos, which incidentally, had already been postponed indefinitely by the NNLboard due to the unavailability of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
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