NTTF targets next generation of players as Atanda Musa hosts youth tournament

By Paul Nwokocha Jr

The Vice President of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and member of the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Dr. Adesoji Tayo has described the ongoing Atanda Musa Table Tennis Tournament as a vital platform for nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of champions.

Dr. Tayo noted that the tournament represents an opportunity for legends of the game to give back to society by supporting young talents who could become future stars.

”It’s one of the ways through which heroes of the past, people that played table tennis in the past and benefited from the game, can help upcoming stars rise and be recognized, so that they can also be sponsored and supported,” he said.

He explained further that the federation views tournaments like this as a critical part of its talent development, especially with many of Nigeria’s top players now aging or retired.

‎“We are in the breeding process. These are the tournaments that we rely on to discover the next stars that will represent Nigeria both in Africa and on the global stage. We already have a five-year project aimed at dominating African female table tennis, while the male category is progressing faster,” he added.

‎Highlighting the importance of grooming players early, the NTTF Vice President stressed that the competition is strategically focused on teenage athletes.

“In table tennis, if you don’t catch them young, it would be difficult to make them champions. At this level, our coaches are monitoring the games, ranking the players, and identifying those who will progress to under-14 and under-19 competitions before eventually becoming national players,” he explained.

‎Dr. Tayo also used the event to encourage young players to balance their education with sports, pointing to Atanda Musa’s personal example as a successful athlete who combined academics with a global table tennis career.

‎“What we tell them is take your studies seriously and listen to your coaches. If you do that, your talent will shine, and support will come. Follow the ethics of table tennis, but study hard so you can be champions in all areas of life,” he advised.

‎The Atanda Musa Table Tennis Tournament, being hosted at the Lagos Country Club, continues to attract young players from across the country, with the goal of raising Nigeria’s next generation of table tennis stars.