No fewer than 250 players from across the country are expected to participate in the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Championship scheduled to hold in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun.
The tournament will take place at the Idera Multipurpose Hall from April 12 to April 17.
A statement issued on Sunday by Adesoji Tayo, President, Nigerian Table Tennis Federation, stated that they would partner the Osun Government and the Osun Table Tennis Association to ensure a successful championship.
“The tournament is a championship that has grown into one of the nation’s most prestigious sporting events,” he said.
Tayo said that the event founded in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, has transcended its memorial roots to become a powerful platform for nurturing future champions.
“Over the years, it has given rising talents the chance to shine on the national stage while offering seasoned athletes an arena to reaffirm their dominance.
“Today, it stands as a vital bridge between grassroots participation and elite competition, embodying resilience, inclusivity and excellence.
“The 2026 edition promises to be the grandest yet as more than 250 players from all 36 states of Nigeria will converge on Otan Ayegbaju, transforming the town into a vibrant hub of sporting brilliance.
“The young prospects seasoned professionals, veterans, para-athletes and deaf athletes will compete side by side, underscoring the tournament’s unwavering commitment to unity and equal opportunity,” he said.
The table tennis president added that categories span from Under-15 singles to veteran, para and deaf divisions, to ensure that every athlete had a stage to showcase their skill and determination.
He said that the championship, organised in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, had grown over the years into one of Nigeria’s notable table tennis competitions.
Tayo noted that participants were expected from the 36 states of the federation, featuring young prospects, seasoned professionals, veterans, para-athletes and deaf athletes.
“The event is designed to provide a platform for emerging talents to compete at a higher level while also giving experienced players the opportunity to showcase their skills.
“The competition is also expected to attract coaches, scouts, administrators and table tennis enthusiasts from different parts of the country.
The week-long tournament is expected to boost economic activities in Otan Ayegbaju as visitors and participants arrive for the event.
It will also give young people in the host community the opportunity to witness top-level table tennis competition.
