National Table Tennis Stars Gear Up for Thrilling Daniel Ford Tournament Showdown

Reigning national table tennis champion Muiz Adegoke is poised for a stiff challenge as he takes on former titleholder Matthew Kuti and defending champion Abdulbasit Abdulfatai at the 3rd Daniel Ford Elite Youth Table Tennis Tournament, kicking off today at the Molade Okoya‑Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Adegoke arrives at the competition in strong form, recently capturing the inaugural Governor Diri Top 16 Cup in Bayelsa and clinching another title at a Lagos club event. But his past outings at this tournament have been mixed, with a top‑four finish in 2023 followed by an early exit in 2024. Determined to claim the Daniel Ford crown this time, he must first get past both Kuti and Abdulfatai — who also feature on the national squad.

Kuti, once tipped as a rising star in Nigerian table tennis, has struggled for consistency lately, including a 4‑0 loss to Adegoke in Bayelsa. Meanwhile, left‑handed Abdulfatai from Kwara has had his own setbacks in recent competitions and is eager to defend his title and secure his place on the national team.

The tournament also features exciting action in the U‑19 boys’ and girls’ divisions, with standout competitors like African Youth Games mixed team champion Matthew Fabunmi and defending girls’ champion Kabirat Ayoola. A new U‑12 category has been added, shining a spotlight on Nigeria’s emerging talents.