By Vivian Ahanmisi
Lagos, Dec. 18, 2025 – The stage is set for a high-stakes clash of Nigeria’s table tennis elite as the third edition of the prestigious Daniel Ford Elite Youth Tournament commences this Friday, December 19. The spotlight shines brightest on the men’s singles, where reigning national champion Muiz Adegoke must navigate a perilous path against two formidable and motivated former champions to retain his crown.
The tournament, a permanent and celebrated fixture on the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) calendar, will unfold at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall within Lagos’s Teslim Balogun Stadium. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] It has evolved beyond a mere competition into a critical proving ground where careers are revitalized and the nation’s next generation is unveiled.
The Champion’s Crucible: Adegoke’s Quest for Consistency
Muiz Adegoke enters the arena in blistering form, fresh from victories at the Governor Diri Top 16 Cup in Bayelsa and a competitive Lagos club title. “I feel confident with my recent results, but this tournament is different,” Adegoke admitted. “I want to finally win the Daniel Ford title.”
This statement underscores the unique pressure of this event. Despite his national champion status, Adegoke’s history here is checkered—a semi-final run in 2023 followed by a surprising group-stage exit in 2024. Earlier this year, a dip in form cost him his coveted spot on the national team, making this tournament more than just a title defence; it’s a redemption arc. “This is my opportunity to prove myself again. I know what is at stake,” he asserted. A victory here would solidify his top ranking and silence doubts about his consistency on the big stage.
The Challengers: Former Kings Seeking Their Thrones
Standing in his way are two national teammates with everything to prove.
Matthew Kuti, once heralded as the future of Nigerian table tennis, seeks to reclaim his past glory. His recent record against Adegoke is troubling, including 4-0 defeats in both Bayelsa and Lagos. However, Kuti remains defiant, drawing on the energy of the Lagos crowd: “I have had setbacks, but Lagos always brings out the best in me. I want my title back.” For Kuti, this is about reversing a narrative of decline and restarting his ascent.
Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, the defending champion of this very tournament, faces a different kind of pressure. The left-handed stylist from Kwara has suffered uncharacteristically early exits in recent competitions. “I know my form has dipped. This tournament is where I respond,” he stated. As the reigning titleholder, Abdulfatai must defend his turf not just from Adegoke, but from his own recent inconsistencies. His unique southpaw angles and experience in this event make him a persistent threat.
[[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] This trio represents a fascinating dynamic: the current national champion (Adegoke) who hasn’t conquered this event, the former phenom (Kuti) seeking revival, and the defending tournament champion (Abdulfatai) fighting for form. Their clashes will be a masterclass in technical skill and mental fortitude.
Future Stars on Display: The Youth Categories
Beyond the marquee men’s battle, the Daniel Ford Tournament excels as a showcase for Nigeria’s pipeline of talent.
The Boys’ U-19 category promises fireworks, featuring African Youth Games mixed team champion Matthew Fabunmi and cadet prodigy Usman Ayoola challenging established names. This is where the next Adegoke or Kuti may emerge.
In the Girls’ U-19 division, defending champion Kabirat Ayoola will face a stern test from former winner Sukurat Aiyelabegan, alongside other rising stars like Aishat Rabiu and Kogi’s Ise Sezuo.
A significant new attraction this year is the introduction of a U-12 event, offering an early glimpse of the raw, emerging talents who will define the sport’s future a decade from now.
Tournament Structure: A Path to Glory
The two-day competition is designed to test endurance and skill. Both the U-19 and U-15 categories will feature 16 players each, drawn into four round-robin groups. Only the top two finishers from each group will advance to the knockout quarter-finals, ensuring every match from the opening serve carries immense weight. This format rewards both peak performance and strategic consistency, separating the good from the truly elite.
As the paddles readied and the balls begin to fly, the 2025 Daniel Ford Elite Youth Tournament is poised to deliver more than just winners. It will write a crucial chapter in the ongoing rivalries at the top of Nigerian table tennis while simultaneously scripting the opening lines for the sport’s future stars. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]]
IZU/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
