Wale Jagun
It was another interesting final on Saturday, as Mathew Kuti, yet again, proved that he is still the number one young table tennis player in the country.
The Ikorodu – born Kuti defeated Abdufatai Abdulbasit to claim the gold medal in the men’s singles final of the 56th Molade Okoya-Thomas Championship in Lagos.
Kuti defeated Abdulbassit 7 – 11, 12 – 8, 11 – 6, 11 – 5 and 11 – 9, at the tournament final which took place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Bose Odesanya claimed the women’s single championship.
Young Kuti, speaking after his triumph, was full of gratitude to God, and the organizers of the event for the opportunity to engage in another highly competitive game to prove himself.
He pledged to continue working hard and show great commitment to his professional career.
Tosin Bakare, daughter of the late Molade Okoya-Thomas, while congratulating winners of the tournament, also urged young athletes to pursue their dreams career in table tennis with passion.
While also speaking on her father’s love for the youth through sports, she commended participants for their commitment to the game.
“Your dedication, perseverance, and passion for table tennis are truly inspiring.”
Also speaking with THE IMPACT, Shakiru Adio Adeleye, who is also a professional table tennis player from Ikorodu, described Kuti as God’s sent table tennis player to Nigeria.
He urged the Nigerian government to invest in his development and sponsor him for international tournaments.
“It was an interesting tournament and I am not surprised at all about him winning the championship. He has won virtually every available tournament in the country.
“He’s a God sent to the Nigerian table tennis federation. At the moment, nobody can beat him except Haruna Quadri who has better training and exposure.
“It’s high time that our government invest more in him so that he can make the country proud internationally.
“Twice, he has been given invitation to international tournaments in Germany, but there was no sponsor to assist.
“Our government needs to do more in this regard by making him attain his full potential in the game and bring us honours”, Shakiru said.
