Senator Tokunbo Abiru Hails Outstanding Performances as Oyo Clinches Victory at 2nd Mixed Table Tennis Championship

The grand finale of the 2nd Edition of the Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships (2.0) produced intense excitement on Saturday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, as Oyo State emerged champions in a dramatic and highly competitive showdown.

EpeInsights reports that the tournament financed and supported by Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, and his wife, Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, through the SAIL Empowerment Foundation featured 30 formidable teams from Nigeria, Togo and the Benin Republic.

Despite entering the competition unseeded, Oyo stunned spectators and opponents alike with their resilience, skill, and strategic teamwork.

Led by the exceptional duo of Wasiu Azeez and Halima Hussein, Oyo State defeated Bayelsa in a pulsating final, overcoming top-seeded teams such as Lagos, Edo, and Kwara to earn the championship title.

The final encounter delivered world-class rallies and tactical brilliance. Oyo took an early lead after winning the mixed doubles. Bayelsa’s Hope Udoaka, however, leveled the score with a determined performance.

Azeez later staged a spirited comeback from 1-0 down to defeat Samuel Boboye 3-1, putting Oyo back in control of the contest.

The decisive moment came when Hussein, playing alongside partner Khadijat Okanlawon, sealed the championship with a 3-1 victory over Udoaka and Iyanuoluwa Falana in the women’s doubles.

In the third-place match, Kwara bounced back strongly from their semifinal loss to secure a commanding 3-0 win over Lagos Team 2, earning the bronze medal in the N5.5 million prize money competition.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Senator Abiru who represents Lagos East Senatorial District commended the players for their passion, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

He described the championship as a symbol of excellence and a platform that inspires youth across Africa.

“This tournament has once again shown that when we create the right environment for our youth, talent flourishes, friendships blossom, and excellence thrives,” Senator Abiru said.

“Throughout the championships, we witnessed passion, skill, and unity. Our athletes reminded us of the beauty of competition and the extraordinary potential sports has to bring people together.”

He praised all participants winners and non-medalists alike for their commitment and discipline, emphasizing that each competitor had demonstrated remarkable character and ability.

The championship is one of the flagship initiatives of the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, co-founded by Senator Abiru and his wife. The foundation focuses on leveraging sports, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation to empower young people and provide platforms for their growth.

Senator Abiru expressed gratitude to all partners and key officials whose support made the event a success, including:

• Barrister Wahid Enitan Oshodi, President, ITTF Africa
• Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Chief Operating Officer, ITTF Africa
• Mr. Ferdinard Sounou, Regional Vice President (West), ITTF Africa
• Dr. Adesoji Tayo, President, Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF)
• Mr. Deji Abisola, Chief Impact Officer, SAIL Empowerment Foundation

“Your efforts have made this tournament not only successful but truly memorable,” Abiru said.

Senator Abiru thanked residents of Lagos East and the entire audience for their enthusiastic support, assuring that the next edition of the championship would be “even bigger, better, and more inclusive.”

In a separate interview, Mr. Deji Abisola, Chief Impact Officer of the SAIL Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to developing young talent. “We remain focused on creating platforms in sports, technology and entrepreneurship where young people in Lagos can thrive,” he said.

With Oyo’s victory and the tournament’s resounding success, the Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships continues to grow as one of the most inspiring and impactful youth sports platforms in Nigeria and West Africa.