Paralympians, African Champions Dominate 7th Valuejet Lagos Para Table Tennis Championships

Paralympians and African champions shone brightly at the 7th Valuejet Lagos Para Table Tennis Championships, where top stars like Isau Ogunkunle, Bolawa Akingbemisilu, and Faith Obiora successfully defended their singles titles. The three-day competition was held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Besides Nigeria, athletes from Togo and the Benin Republic also participated. Togo made a notable impression, earning two bronze medals. The event was organised by the Sunday Odebode Para Sport Foundation (SOPSF) and supported by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

In the women’s singles, Faith Obiora retained her title in class 5 after defeating Kate Oputa, while African champion Kehinde Lawal secured the top spot in class 9. With defending champion Faith Obazuaye absent, Ivie Edogiaweire seized the opportunity to clinch the class 10 crown.

In the men’s singles, Paris 2024 Paralympian Bolawa Akingbemisilu demonstrated his dominance in class 5 with a commanding 3-0 win over Lekan Abdullahi. Isau Ogunkunle, Africa’s sole medallist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, thrilled spectators with a convincing 3-0 victory over Timothy Umeh to claim the men’s class 4 title.

Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Olufemi Alabi emerged victorious in the men’s class 10, while Abiola Adesope stunned the field with a 3-2 upset over Paralympic medallist,Tajudeen Agunbiade in the men’s class 9.

Togo’s Atisso Amele added to her country’s tally with two bronze medals in the women’s singles and doubles class 5 categories.

Since its inception in 2019, the Valuejet-sponsored tournament has played a pivotal role in national team selection. Kunle Soname, Chairman of Valuejet, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to supporting para-athletes and promoting inclusivity through sport.

“At Valuejet, we consider it a privilege to be part of this remarkable championship. Supporting this event aligns with our core values-we are committed to adding value to society,” Soname stated. “We believe everyone deserves hope and the opportunity to fulfil their dreams, and we are dedicated to making that a reality wherever we can.”

He added that the sponsorship forms a key component of Valuejet’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, aimed at empowering physically challenged athletes and enhancing the visibility of para table tennis in Nigeria and around the world.