Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria – The recently concluded Offiong Edem Mini Table Tennis talent hunt, held at the U. J. Esuene Stadium Table Tennis Court, has garnered praise and excitement from sports enthusiasts and officials alike. The event, organized by Offiong Edem, aimed to identify and nurture young table tennis talents across the Niger Delta Region.
Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and a prominent patron of the Cross River State Table Tennis Association, expressed his admiration for Edem’s initiative. He pledged continued support for her vision, emphasizing that the program would unearth hidden talents destined for stardom.
Ama-Ebi Ebikpolene, the National Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) for the South South Zone, lauded Offiong’s efforts. He highlighted the positive impact of the tournament on youth engagement within the catchment area. Ebikpolene emphasized that the talent hunt program aimed to “catch them young” in the realm of table tennis.
The reigning Nigeria Table Tennis female champion and six-time African champion, whose unwavering love and passion for the sport have fueled her commitment, has sponsored the tournament for the past four years. Her dedication underscores the importance of nurturing young athletes and providing them with a platform to shine.
Medal Winners:
- U-14 Girls Category:
- Gold Medal: Chinese Okafor (Abia State)
- Silver Medal: Onakpoberwo Ese (Delta State)
- Bronze Medal: Peace Kalu (Delta State)
- Additional Bronze Medal: Princes Enuice
- U-14 Boys Category:
- Gold Medal: Clinton Ogbonwbia (Bayelsa State)
- Silver Medal: Iwobi Rex (Delta State)
- Bronze Medal: Daniel Uche (Abia State)
- Another Bronze Medal: Salomi Iheanacho (Akwa Ibom State)
- U-17 Girls Category:
- Gold Medal: Chineye Okafor
- Silver Medal: Peace Kalu
- Bronze Medal: Onakpoberwo Ese
- Also Bronze Medal: Oluchi Philip (Cross River State)
- U-17 Boys Category:
- Gold Medal: Matthew John (Bayelsa State)
- Silver Medal: Bright Joel (Cross River State)
- Bronze Medal: Able God Udoh (Akwa Ibom State)
- Another Bronze Medal: Victor Kamala (Bayelsa State)
A total of forty-eight talented table tennis players from seven states in the South South and South East zones participated in the two-day event. These states include Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Abia, and Anambra.
The closing ceremony featured the presentation of medals, certificates, cash prizes, and heartfelt applause for the young athletes who showcased their skills and determination. The Offiong Edem Mini Table Tennis talent hunt has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the region’s sporting landscape, inspiring dreams and fostering camaraderie among players and fans alike.
