The 54th Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Championships, which were completed over the weekend in Lagos, saw Muiz Adegoke emerge as the new winner, ending Rilwan Akanbi's bid for a third men's singles championship in the semifinal. The Asoju Oba Cup was the previous name of the competition.
Bose Odusanya also maintained her unbeaten streak in the women's singles division after winning her seventh championship in the oldest sporting event in Africa.
Adegoke rose to prominence in the event despite failing to qualify for the final in 2021 due to his academic commitments.
The national junior standout overcame the seasoned Fayele 4-2 (11-7, 15-13, 11-6, 8-11, 6-11, 11-6) to become the new champion, costing the reigning champion David Fayele his maiden senior championship.
Adegoke advanced to a second straight final by defeating the reigning champion Akanbi 4-2 earlier in the quarterfinal.
The reign of Odusanya continues unbroken as she demonstrated her domination in the championship match against Anu Anjuwon in a one-sided contest that she won 4-0. (11-5, 11-5, 11-5, 11-6).
“I was supposed to play in the final last year, but I couldn’t, so I’m really excited to have won my first senior title at the Molade Okoya-Thomas championship this year,” gushed the new champion after receiving the top prize.
He admitted that playing at the National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State helped him at this tournament.
“I attended my first National Sports Festival this year and that really helped me to develop and I hope to play in this tournament next year and win,” an elated Adegoke said.
For Odusanya, her triumph has been attributed to hard work.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Okoya-Thomas Family, Ayodeji Okoya-Thomas, has tipped Adegoke for glory.