Matthew Kuti and Aiyelabegan Shukurat have reclaimed their titles after emerging champions at the 3rd Daniel Ford Table Tennis Tournament.
Kuti was crowned champion after a commanding 4-0 victory over Adegoke Muiz in the men’s final held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
He displayed better performance to reclaim the title he won during the maiden edition in 2023.
In the U-19 female category, Aiyelabegan Shukurat from Kwara State triumphed over Okanlawon Khadijat of Oyo State with a dominant 4-0 win.
Aiyelabegan who reclaimed her title in this just comcluded edition was the inaugural winner in the U-19 female category in 2023.
In the U-15 girls’ division, Chineye Okafor from Abia edged past Ajasa Ifeoluwa in a closely contested 2-1 battle to claim the title.
The U-15 boys’ final saw Joseph Marvelous of Kogi State record a comfortable 3-0 victory over Lagos’ Ayoola Murwa.
In the U-12 female category, Emelike Elizabeth (Abia) outclassed Shuaibu Emmanuella, winning 3-0 to secure Abia’s second title of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Adebayo Habeeb of Aruna Club clinched the U-12 boys’ title after defeating Balogun Mubarak (Ogun) 3-1.
Convener Yemi Edun praised the high level of competition and reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots sports development.
“We started this event three years ago to support grassroots sports, and this year we introduced the U-12 category,” Edun said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who attended the finals, commended the participants for their discipline and determination.
“Know that all of you are champions and you have a future. If you didn’t do well this year, you have next year. Sports is all about integrity and healthy competition,” he said.
The governor also pledged continued government support for grassroots sports development in Lagos State.
“We will continue to provide an enabling environment for sports to thrive. Lagos took first at the National Youth Games, and we aim to retain that position,” he added.