The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has edged the Lagos State team to the maiden Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championship.
Out of the 28 teams, including participants from Togo and Benin Republic, Lagos and NSCDC emerged as the top contenders, drawing fans from across Lagos to witness the grand finale.
The final held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, was witnessed by the tournament’s sponsor, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, along with distinguished guests including Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and among others.
Despite a valiant effort by the Lagos team, led by Matthew Kuti and Muiz Adegoke, they were ultimately bested by the experienced NSCDC duo of Rilwan Akanbi and Abdullahi Abdulrahman. The NSCDC team clinched the title with a 3-2 victory, earning the N1 million prize money.
Special accolades were given to Ondo’s Funmilayo Ojo and NSCDC’s Abdulrahman, who were named the most improved and valuable players of the championships.
In his closing remarks, Senator Abiru expressed his commitment to youth empowerment through sports and praised the efforts of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and ATTF President, Wahid Oshodi, for their role in making the tournament a success.
He said: “What an incredible journey it has been! As we gather here today to celebrate the grand finale of the First Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championship, I am filled with pride and immense gratitude. This championship has marked a new chapter in African sports, as we brought to life the first mixed table tennis tournament ever held on the continent.
“This championship was conceived with a dual mission: to advance sports development in Lagos State, and Nigeria by extension, and to create opportunities for our young players to compete on a global stage.”