The stage is set for a spectacular conclusion as Nigeria's finest table tennis stars converge on Lagos for the grand finale of the 11th Elicris Table Tennis Cup. The championship matches are scheduled for Tuesday, 23 December 2025, at the iconic Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall within the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Top Contenders and Rising Stars Face Off
All eyes will be on the reigning national champions as they defend their hard-earned titles against a field of fierce challengers. In the men's singles, Matthew Kuti will face determined opponents including Muiz Adegoke and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai. The women's singles crown, held by Sukurat Aiyelabegan, is under threat from skilled players like Ajoke Ojomu and Kabirat Ayoola.
Adding a dynamic layer of excitement to the tournament are the promising cadet players. Young sensations Usman Ayoola and Chinenye Okafor are poised to challenge the established order in their respective men's and women's events, injecting youthful vigour into the competition.
Organizers Hail Growth and Competitive Spirit
The event, officially sanctioned by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA), promises high-octane action from the semi-finals onward. Tunji Lawal, Chairman of the LSTTA, highlighted the tournament's evolution and the intense level of play witnessed this year.
"From the group stage, it's clear that this year's winners will have to work extremely hard," Lawal stated. He noted that the playing field has levelled, with cadet stars proving their mettle against seasoned professionals. Lawal predicted an "explosive" final and emphasized the event's role in developing Lagos State talents for more regular competitions in the coming year.
Foundation Drives Youth Development Through Sports
This two-day national tournament is organized in partnership with the NTTF, led by Adesoji Tayo, and is proudly sponsored by the Babatunde Abayomi Adejobi (BAA) Foundation. The founder, Babatunde Adejobi, a former table tennis player himself, outlined the competition's core mission.
"We chose to stage this tournament annually because of our strong belief in youth development," Adejobi explained. He stressed that sports like table tennis provide a positive channel for young energy, improving well-being and creating opportunities. The BAA Foundation is committed to talent discovery and empowering the less privileged.
Adejobi celebrated the tournament's growth from a small gathering to a national event that assembles the best talents from across Nigeria. "Our goal is to inspire smiles, support dreams, and empower young people," he said, expressing optimism for even greater impact with this 11th edition and beyond.
