By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

No fewer than 450 table tennis players and enthusiasts from across Nigeria are expected in Otan-Ayegbaju, Osun State, for the 5th edition of the 2025 Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Festival.

The tournament, sponsored by Michael and Felicia Alabi and organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, will hold at the Idera Multi-purpose Hall, Otan-Ayegbaju, from April 27 to May 3, 2025.

Addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State chapter, at the Osogbo Township Stadium during a press briefing to herald the 2025 edition of the annual championship, Chairman of the Osun State Table Tennis Association, Mr Ayodeji Alabi, disclosed that the prize money for this year’s edition has been increased, with a total sum of N11.5m earmarked for cash prizes alone.

Alabi noted that the tournament would not only promote the game of table tennis but also foster community spirit, showcase Nigerian culture and talent, and aid in the discovery of budding talents.

He revealed that about 450 individuals, including players, enthusiasts and other stakeholders, would take part in this year’s edition, adding that 35 states of the federation had already registered for participation.

The table tennis enthusiast bemoaned the neglect the sport had suffered over the years, stating that the festival aims to return the game to the limelight.

Speaking on the essence of the festival and efforts to rejuvenate the game in Nigeria, Alabi said, “We want to bring sports, especially table tennis, back to the limelight, and that is what we have been working towards. That is why we were able to build this kind of edifice—the Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Hall in Osogbo—which is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Table tennis is played all over the country, but this is the first standalone hall dedicated solely to the sport in Nigeria, and we thank God for making it possible.

“We are hosting the Michael and Felicia National Table Tennis Championship from April 27 to May 3. This edition is unique because it is the fifth. Last year, we accommodated all participating states in our own hotel. However, this time around, the number of participants has increased. We are now building a hall that can accommodate about 3,000 people. Beyond the games, we are also adding a new dimension of entertainment to the experience.

“Whoever attends this tournament will leave with plenty of joy, as we have set up an entertainment lounge featuring several artistes. After each day’s games, there will be entertainment galore—comedy shows, music performances, and renowned disc jockeys will all be part of the line-up. We are curating an exciting entertainment portfolio for everyone coming to the tournament.”

According to him, 35 states have so far signed up for the competition, with virtually every known Nigerian table tennis player enlisted.

Alabi also disclosed that persons with disabilities will actively participate in the tournament. Categories include: men’s singles, women’s singles, U-15 boys’ singles, U-15 girls’ singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, veteran singles, para men’s singles open, para women’s singles open, deaf men’s singles, deaf women’s singles, and local singles.

He added, “This year, we may have about 400 to 450 participants, and we will accommodate and feed them free of charge. This edition is unique because we have successfully created an environment where participants can sleep and eat comfortably without worry.”