Matthew Kuti (Aruna Lagos) and Sukurat Aiyelabegan (Kwara State) have emerged champions of the maiden Daniel Ford Table Tennis Youth Championships in the men and women’s held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Matthew Kuti beat Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara State 4-2 in the U19 Boys final while Sukurat Aiyelabegan beat Taiwo Akanbi 4-1 in the U19 Girls final.
Sukurat Aiyelabegan told www.aclsports.com that winning the championship means her training was not in vain.
Aiyelabegan stated that in order to reach her full potential, she needs greater exposure abroad.
She stated, “I was so excited to have won the Daniel Ford championship, it was a tough battle from the start but thanks to almighty Allah for granting me success at the end.
“All I need right now is greater exposure to international tournaments and a regular training regimen. I firmly think I’m capable of shocking everyone.
“I want to break records at national and international championships in 2024.” Making my nation proud and establishing a solid reputation in the table tennis world are my goals.
Aiyelabegan lost to West African University Games (WAUG) Champion, Hope Udouka 3-1 (11-9, 8-11, 5-11, 9-11) in the women’s final of the 2023 Renewed Hope Table Tennis Championship in Lagos.
Aiyelabegan lost to West African University Games (WAUG) Champion, Hope Udouka 3-1 (11-9, 8-11, 5-11, 9-11) in the women’s final of the 2023 Renewed Hope Table Tennis Championship in Lagos.
