Nigeria, Iraq Dazzle at 2024 Lagos Valuejet Para T’Tennis Open

Hosts Nigeria and Iraq each claimed six gold medals, dominating the 2024 Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open, which concluded on Saturday, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

The ITTF Factor 20 tournament, held from November 7 to 9, featured competitors from the United Kingdom, Iraq, Iran, Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, participating in both singles and doubles events. 

Organised by the Sunday Odebode Foundation in collaboration with the Para Division of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and sponsored by ValueJet, this year’s tournament exceeded expectations.

Despite Nigeria’s strong performance throughout the tournament, the final day saw the visiting Iraqi team take center stage. 

The highlight was Muntadher Al Sarraji’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Paris 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medalist Isau Ogunkunle in the Men’s Singles Class 3-4 final. 

The match, witnessed by African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Deputy Alfred Bagueka, and Chairman of ValueJet Airlines, Kunle Soname, ended with Al Sarraji silencing the home crowd with a 13-11 win in the deciding game.

In total, Nigeria and Iraq each secured six gold medals from the 12 events contested. 

The organisers have promised an even bigger tournament next year.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised the athletes for their remarkable performances and pledged continued support for the tournament and its participants. 

“Our athletes continue to break boundaries, proving that physical limitations cannot constrain the boundless potential within each individual. This tournament is not only a celebration of skill and competition but also an inspiring reminder of the strength, resilience, and courage that define our athletes,” he said.