The Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has commended the Canaan Queens of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Calabar, for their outstanding performance at the 2025 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) African Club Championships in Tunisia, where they clinched a bronze medal for Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Governor Otu described the teamโs feat as a moment of immense pride for Cross River State and Nigeria, underscoring his administrationโs unwavering commitment to sports development.
“The Canaan Queens have etched their names in history and brought great honour to our state. Their dedication, resilience, and exceptional display on the continental stage serve as an inspiration to budding athletes in Cross River and beyond. This achievement is a testament to the abundant talent and sporting potential within our state. As a government, we remain resolute in our support for sports development to ensure even greater milestones,” he declared.
The Governor further acknowledged the instrumental role of the Canaan Table Tennis Clubโs management, coaches, and supporters, noting that their collective effort has been pivotal in nurturing the players and fostering a culture of excellence in sports.
Similarly, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the Governor, lauded the teamโs performance, emphasising their impact as role models for young girls across Nigeria. She reaffirmed her commitment to girl-child empowerment, stating:
“The Canaan Table Tennis Club has once again made us proud. Their stellar performance in Tunisia is not just a victory for Cross River but for the entire nation. As someone deeply passionate about empowering young girls, I am particularly inspired by the Canaan Queens, who have demonstrated that with determination and hard work, greatness is achievable in any field.”
Meanwhile, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Chairman of the Canaan Table Tennis Club and Cross River Stateโs representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), extolled the teamโs achievement, noting that it further cements Nigeriaโs growing dominance in international table tennis.
The Canaan Queens, who flew Nigeriaโs flag at the championship, emerged as one of the top-performing teams among 54 participating countries, reinforcing Nigeriaโs stature in global table tennis. Their bronze medal triumph signals a bright future for the sport, proving that with sustained investment and structured development, Cross River can continue to produce world-class athletes.
