Sports
Table-Tennis: Nigeria Sweeps Stakes In Togo
Nigeria emerged winners of the male and female single at the just-concluded 11th International Blaise Sogo Table Tennis Championships in the Republic of Benin between December 19 and 20.
Kazeem Makanjuola and Rashidat Ogundele, won the male and female singles titles respectively.
Makanjuola told newsmen in Lagos yesterday on arrival that participating in the Maiden Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) Presidents Cup contributed to his success at the championships.
“I was still in top form after participating in the NTTF President’s Cup just before we left for the championships in the Republic of Benin.
“The zeal at the President’s Cup was what I carried on with and believe me my opponents too fought so hard to win.
“My performance can be attributed to hard work and the constant competitions I engaged in within the year,” he said.
Rashidat Ogundele said that championship was highly competitive.
“The championships was tough and keenly contested by all the players; top players from various African countries took part in the competition.
“The championships have changed from what it used to be and we now have many young players across the continent taking part in the tournament,” she said.
The championships are an annual tournament for African players.
At the 2013 edition which held from December 20 to 21,, Nigeria reportedly clinched four gold and a silver medal and this year it won two gold, two silver and one bronze medals.
Meanwhile, NTTF, the Technical Director,of NTTF Anderson Bankole has lauded the country’s representatives at the tournament, stressing that their triumph was a sign of greater things to come in 2015.
“It is good to know that the young ones are waking up and doing so well.
“We still have a lot to do; we will ensure that we address their weakness, we will not leave anything out in ensuring that our players do well in international competitions,” he said.
The technical director hoped that the players would strive to maintain the country’s top position in the continent.
“We will strive not just to be Number One in Africa but in the World.
“With God on our side, and commitment of the players, we will achieve it,” he said.
Nosiru Bello, the Head Coach of NTTF, also expressed satisfaction with the performance of the players.
He said that they played well and listened to instructions.
“They put in their best; I must say I am satisfied with their performance.
“We still have a lot to do on the players and I know they will keep getting better,” he said.
A Flying Eagle (11) in action during the qualifiers for the 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC)
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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