The quest for table tennis medals at the 2025 National Sports Festival (NSF), Gateway Games 2024 , kicks off on Saturday, May 24, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Foreign-based stars such as Olajide Omotayo, Azeez Solanke, and Taiwo Matti will don the colours of Bayelsa State, injecting world-class experience into the tournament.

Lagos State enters as a formidable force, spearheaded by national champion Matthew Kuti and Muiz Adegoke. Other strong contenders include table tennis powerhouses from Kwara, Ondo, Oyo, and Delta States, all poised for podium finishes.

An official from the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) revealed that the event’s start was slightly delayed to accommodate the conclusion of the badminton tournament, which shares the same venue.

“We’re expecting a much more competitive tournament this year, with increased participation from teams that haven’t featured in recent editions.

Some players are arriving straight from the ITTF World Championships in Doha, so fans should expect fireworks across the team, doubles, and singles categories,” the official stated.

Omotayo, currently Nigeria’s second-highest-ranked player globally, is expected to face stiff competition from top home-based stars such as Kuti, Adegoke, and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.

Kuti, known for his consistency on the national circuit, is eyeing his first National Sports Festival title, following a string of impressive performances in recent tournaments.

Abdulfatai, fresh off a title-winning run in a national event held in Osun State, is another strong contender in both singles and doubles.

Oyo State, coached by Dotun Omoniyi, also poses a significant threat, with experienced players like Akinwale Fagbamila and Joshua Olaniran bringing grit and tactical depth to the squad.

In the para table tennis category, all eyes will be on hometown hero and Paris Paralympics bronze medallist Isau Ogunkunle, who is aiming for gold in the Men’s Class 4 singles event.

In the women’s division, Edo State will be represented by Commonwealth Games medallist Faith Obazuaye,.

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