In anticipation of the upcoming fourth edition of the Dr. A. A. Efunkoya Cadet Table Tennis Championship, organizers have unveiled a two-day preparatory clinic set to kick off the event at the National Stadium in Lagos.
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The championship, a brainchild of the Dr. A. A. Efunkoya Foundation, seeks to uncover emerging talents in the sport for the nation’s benefit.
Recognizing the importance of refining player skills before the main tournament, the organizing committee has instituted the clinic as an essential precursor.
Valuable feedback from previous editions prompted this initiative, with the goal of enhancing player readiness for the two-day championship scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
Ranti Lajide, spokesperson for the foundation, underscored the clinic’s primary objective: to identify and nurture young female players for national representation.
Acknowledging Egypt’s ongoing domination of the women’s division across junior and senior levels, the organizers intend to shift focus to address this imbalance.
A pivotal feature of the clinic is the mandatory participation of each team, which is required to present a minimum of two female players.
The clinic’s instruction will be conducted by a consortium of coaches, spearheaded by national coach Nosiru Bello. This initiative aims to not only elevate player skills but also amplify opportunities for promising young women players within Nigeria.
Aligned with the legacy of the late Efunkoya, who led the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation during an era that produced notable talents, the championship embodies his vision.
Efunkoya’s emphasis on harmonizing sports excellence with education has profoundly influenced the event’s organizers. In tribute to this ethos, the foundation continues to award scholarships to winners in the boys’ and girls’ singles categories.
In a bid to encourage broader participation, the organizers have taken measures to facilitate player involvement.
Accommodation and meals will be provided for many participants, as the championship will feature five coveted titles: boys’ and girls’ singles, boys’ and girls’ doubles, and mixed doubles events.
As the fourth Dr. A. A. Efunkoya Cadet Table Tennis Championship approaches, the dual approach of the preparatory clinic followed by the main event underscores the organizers’ commitment to nurturing emerging talent and honoring the principles of sportsmanship and education.
