Rabiu Dethrones Akanbi as Joseph Wins at Efunkoya Cadet T’tennis 

 
 
Girls’ singles defending champion Taiwo Akanbi failed to hold on to the title she won in 2021 after she was humbled by Aisha Rabiu in the final of the 3rd Dr. A. A. Efunkoya Cadet Table Tennis Championship which ended at the National Stadium in Lagos at the weekend. 
The three-day championship has 64 boys and 37 girls competing in five events while Victor Joseph of Kogi State emerged as the new boys’ singles champion after he defeated Tobi Adebakin 3-0 (11-3, 11-8, 11-8). 

Akanbi, a regular in the final of the tournament, met a different Rabiu in the girls’ final as both players have been familiar in previous tournaments. But this year, it was Rabiu that had the upper hand despite going 6-11 in the first game. A pep talk from her coach and father was what Rabiu needed to turn the tide against Akanbi as she ended the reign of the Lagos state cadet champion with 11-4, 11-8, 11-8 to record an overall 3-1 win and crowned the new girls’ champion. 

An elated Rabiu described the win as the biggest of her growing career while attributing the victory to the support and technical input of her father coach. “I am surprised that I was able to beat my opponent because I was down in the first game but the pep talks and support of my father and coach was what I needed to turn the tide. This is a cherished victory for me, and I hope to continue with this form in subsequent tournaments,” the teenage sensation said. 

Rabiu and Joseph were also adjudged the most valuable players (MVP) of the tournament. 
Joseph also partnered Ize Sezuo to win the mixed doubles event, while outstanding players were awarded educational scholarships. 

For Akinwale Efunkoya, the staging of the tournament would surely unearth talents for the country, while lauding the organisers for hoonouring his late father with the tournament. 
A member of the Efunkoya Foundation, Ranti Lajide believes the tournament would help to identify talents that would take over from the likes of Quadri Aruna and Olajide Omotayo while promising that there are plans to monitor the progress of the players. 
The annual tournament is organised in memory of former Chairman of the Nigeria Table Tennis Association, Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya whose tenure brought vibrancy to the sport and helped to unearth players for the country.