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Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.....
The Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open 2024, held from November 6th to 9th, brought together a diverse and competitive field of para-athletes from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, Great Britain, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Nigeria. This year’s event was a high-profile international tournament that showcased not only world-class table tennis skills but also the incredible resilience and determination of athletes with disabilities.
Hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, the event was also a testament to the growing recognition and support for para-sports in Africa. Thanks to the backing of Valuejet, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, the tournament received significant attention and helped bring awareness to the importance of inclusivity in sport.
While the competition was fierce, Nigeria emerged as the biggest winner, dominating the tournament with impressive individual and team performances. The event provided a platform for Nigerian athletes to shine and solidify their position as leaders in para-table tennis on the African continent.
From the very first day, the competition proved to be thrilling, with athletes battling not just for medals but also for ranking points in preparation for upcoming major international tournaments like the World Para Table Tennis Championships and Other international events.
Key Results of the 2024 Tournament
Men’s Singles Classes 1-2
- Gold: AL SALED ALI (IRQ)
Irag AL SALED ALI took home the gold in the men’s singles Classes 1-2 after an intense and highly competitive final against KEWEJO JOHN from Nigeria. Al SALED excellent agility, precision, and powerful forehand play proved to be the deciding factors as he clinched the title. - Silver: KEWEJO JOHN (NIGERIA)
KEWEJO, known for his strategic play and impressive mental toughness, pushedAL SALED ALIto the limit. Despite a strong performance, KEWEJO had to settle for silver after AL SALED ALI relentless attack in the final.
Women’s Singles Classes 9-10
- Gold: Faith Obazuaye (Nigeria)
Nigeria’s Faith Obazuaye was another standout performer in the women’s singles event. With exceptional footwork, incredible speed, and a calm demeanor under pressure, Obazuaye defeated Popoola Maryam of Nigeria in a dramatic final, claiming the gold medal. Her victory was a source of immense pride for the Nigerian crowd. - Silver: Popoola Maryam (Nigeria)
Maryam had been one of the favorites for the title, but despite her excellent technique and composure, she couldn’t overcome Obazuaye’s relentless attacking play. Still, Maryam’s silver was a commendable achievement.
Men Singles Classes 3-4
AL SARRAJI MuntadherIRQ
OGUNKUNLE Isau NGR
Men Singles Class 5
AKINGBEMISILU Bolawa (NRG)
ABDULLAHI Lekan (NRG)
Men Singles Class 8
FABIYI Oluwafemi Ebenezer (NGR)
FARINLOYE Victor(NGR)
Men Singles Class 9
ADESOPE Abiola Wali (NGR)
AGUNBIADE Tajudeen (NGR)
Women Singles Classes 1-3
AL WAELI Hadeel (IRQ)
EZURIKE Blessing Ifeoma (NGR)
Women Singles Classes 4-5
OBIORA Chinenye (NGR)
IHUEZE Victoria (NGR)
Women Singles Classes 7-8
NAMAZI Zahra (IRI)
OLAITAN Kafayat (NGR)
Men’s Doubles Classes 4-8
AL SARRAJI Muntadher (IRQ)
KHUDHAIR Abbas Sarheed (IRQ)
HEAPS Simon (GBR)
AL MAYYAHI Rasool (IRQ)
Men’s Doubles Classes 14-18
CHUKWUEMEKA Francis (NGR)
AGUNBIADE Tajudeen (NGR)
ADESOPE Abiola Wali (NGR)
ADISA Tinde (NGR)
Mixed Doubles Classes 4-7
AL MAYYAHI Rasool (IRQ)
AL WAELI H adeel (IRQ)
AL SAEDI Ali (IRQ)
IMAMFULANI Kudirat (NGR).
Impact and Significance of the Tournament
The Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open 2024 was a huge success for Nigeria, with the host nation taking home numerous medals, including several golds. This performance not only demonstrated the growing strength of Nigerian para-table tennis but also reinforced the country’s leading role in African para-sports.
For Nigeria, the tournament was a significant step forward in building para-table tennis into a globally recognized sport. The victory was also a reflection of the country’s deep investment in training and supporting athletes with disabilities.
Other countries like Iran, Great Britain, and Cameroon also left a strong impression, with their athletes showing that the global para-table tennis scene is becoming increasingly competitive.
The tournament, which brought together countries from across the globe, was not only about medals but also about fostering international solidarity and mutual respect through sport. It served as a platform for athletes to make their mark, strengthen their ranking, and build momentum for future international competitions.
Looking Forward
With Nigeria having dominated the tournament, their athletes are now poised to make even greater strides on the global stage in upcoming events. The success of the 2024 Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open sets a high bar for future editions and will undoubtedly encourage other countries to further invest in para-sports and athletes with disabilities.
This year’s event also highlighted the importance of hosting major para-sport events in Africa, as it provides a stage for African athletes to shine and boosts the continent’s presence on the global sporting map.
