‎The Efunkoya Foundation National Cadet Championship says it has produced emerging talents capable of replacing Nigeria’s table tennis stars.

‎Lajide Ogunranti, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, said this in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Lagos State.

‎He said the seven-year tournament had produced players who progressed to Nigeria’s national teams.

‎“We are achieving that. Those who were champions in this competition five or six years ago are now in the national team,” Ogunranti said.

‎He said the foundation aimed to produce replacements for Nigeria’s national team and restore the country’s position in global table tennis.

‎Ogunranti said 132 players, comprising 81 boys and 51 girls, participated in the five-day championship, which ended on Friday at the National Stadium, Lagos.

‎He said some former participants had recorded impressive international performances, including Nigerian women who recently defeated Egypt in Ghana.

‎Ogunranti expressed confidence that the emerging players could conquer Africa and compete globally with proper training and the right attitude.

‎Waheed Ekun, a former Nigerian national champion and sports administrator, said the tournament remained an important platform for discovering talents and promoting education alongside sports.

‎He said several players discovered through the competition had progressed to the national level, adding that late Adegboyega Efunkoya discovered him in the 1970s.

‎In the boys’ singles final, Balogun Mubarak defeated Ogunsakin Juwon 3-1, recovering from an opening 4-11 loss.

‎Balogun won the next three games 11-7, 11-9 and 12-10 to secure the title.

‎Afolabi Waliyat won the girls’ singles title after defeating Ahmed Fatimoh 3-2 in a closely contested final.

‎Afolabi lost the opening two games 9-11 and 9-11 before winning three consecutive games 11-6, 12-10 and 11-8.

‎Kehinde Olamilekan and Kehinde Oluwasemilore claimed the boys’ doubles title after defeating Omooba Khaleed and Oriola Quaheem 3-1.

‎They won 11-9, 9-11, 11-7 and 11-6 to emerge champions in the event, which began on Aug. 11.

‎Ola Ibitoye, representing Lagos First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the young athletes demonstrated how opportunity, discipline and support could transform potential into achievement.

‎She commended the foundation for sustaining the tournament in honour of the late Adegboyega Efunkoya, whom she described as a distinguished medical professional and sports administrator.

‎Ms Ibitoye urged parents, coaches, sponsors and stakeholders to invest more in grassroots sports through facilities, training and structured talent pathways.

‎She also encouraged young athletes to remain committed to education, stressing that academic and sporting development should go hand in hand.

‎Adesegun Efunkoya, the eldest child of the late Efunkoya, said attending the tournament for the first time revived childhood memories after 40 to 50 years.

‎“My mom was the education. My dad was the sports and health, medicine,” he said.

‎He said his parents were passionate about education, sports and health, noting that three of their five children studied medicine in some form.

‎Efunkoya expressed gratitude to the organisers, participants, coaches, officials and supporters, while praying for the championship’s continued success.

‎Toun Engore, a former player, coach and administrator, called for greater government support through more competitions, training and incentives.

‎She said several products of the tournament now represent Nigeria at national and international competitions, including African events and the World Cup.

‎She described this year’s standard as high, noting significant improvement among the boys and encouraging progress among the girls.

‎Coach Abdulganiru Lawal said the championship had benefited his young players while preserving Efunkoya’s legacy and contribution to Nigerian table tennis.

‎He recalled that players developed during Efunkoya’s era represented Nigeria at major competitions, including the United States Open and events in Britain.

‎He said the tournament was helping revive Nigeria’s strong table tennis culture and expressed satisfaction with its quality.

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