Riliwan Akanbi from Delta State has won the 2018 edition of a Table Tennis Challenge Cup jointly staged by the Embassy of Hungary in Abuja and the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF).
Akanbi beat David Fayeze from Nasarawa State 3-2 in the final to emerge winner in the match decided in the Indoor Sports Hall of the Abuja National Stadium.
Matt Taiwo took the third position.
In the female category, Ajoke Ojomu from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) overcame Lagos State’s Abosede Odusanya 3-2 in the final to emerge winner.
Ayanwale Jamiu of Rivers State edge over Oneh Amadi (Ondo State) with a 3-1 victory to win the male category of the Junior event while Oku Vivian (Cross Rivers) beat Jimoh Rofiat (Kwara) to pick the trophy in the female category.
The competition staged as part of activities to mark Hungary National day, had 78 players from 23 states with 40 of them professionals players while the other 38 were veteran.
Speaking after the trophy presentation and Award ceremony on Tuesday night, Akanbi said is victory was as a result of hard work and the grace of God.
He said it was not a smooth sail for him, adding that his opponents gave him a good fight.
“I am aiming higher,” he added. “My target is to be among the best in Africa and world in the nearest future.”
On his part, the ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria, Dr. Sandor Beer said the level of competition was high, stressing that Nigeria had the potentials to produce many world beaters in the game.
He said Hungary was determined to strengthen relationship with Nigeria in economy, business, cultural and sports fields.
“Hungary is a great table tennis nation and we are cooperating with Nigeria Table Tennis Federation because they have very good talents,” he said.
He also mentioned the possibility of Nigerian players and coaching crew visiting Hungary in an exchange programme as part of efforts to improve their capacity.
