Kogi Table Tennis Stars Win Gold, Multiple Medals for Nigeria »

Young table tennis players from Kogi State have helped Nigeria secure a strong medal haul at the African Youth Table Tennis Championship and African Cup held in Accra, Ghana.

The Kogi-born athletes delivered notable performances across the competitions, winning gold, silver and bronze medals in several U-15 events.

At the African Youth Table Tennis Championship, Joseph Victor and Joseph Marvelous combined to win gold in the U-15 Boys’ Doubles.

The pair also teamed up with Samson Joshua and Umar Ayoola of Lagos State to claim silver in the U-15 Boys’ Team Event.

Samson Joshua recorded further success in the individual competitions, winning bronze in the U-15 Boys’ Singles and another bronze in the U-15 Boys’ Doubles alongside Umar Ayoola.

He also partnered Chinoye Okafor of Abia State to secure bronze in the U-15 Mixed Doubles.

The medal run continued at the African Cup, where Joshua won another bronze medal in the U-15 Boys’ Singles, while Ize Aziza Sezuo claimed bronze in the U-15 Girls’ Singles.

The performances were attributed to sustained training, competitive exposure and the efforts of the athletes and their coaches.

The Kogi coaching team, led by Coach Friday Abah, has played a key role in preparing the young players for high-level competitions and developing their skills.

The Chairman of the Kogi State Table Tennis Association, Dr Shaibu D. Mohammed, was also credited with providing financial support, motivation and investment in grassroots table tennis development.

His support, according to the material, has helped create opportunities for young players to train, compete and develop their talents.

The latest results have further showcased the potential of Kogi’s young table tennis players and the importance of sustained investment in grassroots sports development.

With continued training, exposure and support, the athletes could progress to higher levels of African, Commonwealth, Olympic and world competition.

The achievements also stresses the role of coaching, structured development and adequate support in helping young Nigerian athletes compete successfully on the continental stage.

The players, Coach Friday Abah, Dr Shaibu D. Mohammed, the Kogi State Table Tennis Association, their families and others involved in the athletes’ development were commended for their contributions to the feat.