By: Joshua Adinoyi 

It was another plus for Kogi State over the weekend as a Table Tennis youngster from the State, Joseph Victor emerged new boys’ singles champion of the 3rd Dr. A.A Efunkoya Cadet Table Tennis Championship in Lagos.

Joseph defeated Tobi Adebakin 3-0 (11-3, 11-8, 11-8) at the tournament that was attended by sports enthusiasts from across the Country.

The three-day championship which was held at the National Stadium in Lagos, also saw Joseph partnered Ize Sezuo to win the mixed doubles event.

Aside the wins, Joseph Victor was as well named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the boys’ category of the Championship while Aisha Rabiu, the new girls’ Champion was also crowned MVP of the Girls’ category.

Joseph and Aisha were awarded educational scholarship for their outstanding performances at the Championship.

Reacting to his successes at the Table Tennis showpiece, Victor Joseph said his joy knows no bound over his victories, describing it as a dream come true.

He appreciated his parents and Coaches for giving him the privilege to showcase his talent and for believing in his ability to grow stronger in the game.

He also commended his teammates for their cooperation at all times, saying “this is just the beginning

“We will yet celebrate more victories together as a team, kudos to our Coach, kudos to all our supporters, kudos to the organizers and kudos to all my teammates and other competitors

“When I saw the jubilant crowd, I couldn’t control it, I shared tears of joy and I know that by the grace of God, more of such tears will come in the days ahead” he said.

An elated Kogi State Table Tennis Head Coach, Friday Abah, expressed joy over the feat achieved at the championship.

Abah pointed out that the victory was the end product of continuous commitment to the game, stressing that the players have been committed to training.

Coach Friday Abah assured that more victory will be achieved in the days ahead, calling for more support to enable the team move forward.

A member of the Efunkoya Foundation, Ranti Lajide believes the tournament would help to identify talents that would take over from the likes of Quadri Aruna and Olajide Omotayo, while promising that there are plans to monitor the progress of the players.

The annual tournament was organized in memory of former Chairman of the Nigeria Table Tennis Association, Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya whose tenure brought vibrancy to the sport and helped to unearth players for the Country.

The three-day Championship had 64 boys and 37 girls compete in five events.