Defending champion Matthew Kuti will be looking to fend off rivals when hostilities commence on Friday, 20 December, as the 2nd Daniel Ford Elite Youth Table Tennis Invitational Championships kick off at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.
2023 African Games gold medallist Kuti begins his quest to become the first player to win back-to-back titles at this tournament, organised by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and funded by UK-based Daniel Ford International.
Kuti, who has been in excellent form recently, will rely on his experience and exposure from several international tournaments this year, including the Africa Championships in Ethiopia. He anticipates stiff competition from perennial rivals like Muiz Adegoke and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.
The U-19 event promises excitement as Kuti faces a star-studded lineup of players over the two-day tournament. Determined not to let his guard down, Kuti is prepared to take on regular opponents, especially Muiz Adegoke, who might be paired with him in the doubles event.
Adegoke, who has yet to fulfill his potential at the national level, hopes to replicate his doubles success against the tournament’s top players. “I can’t wait to get on the table because this is not going to be a one-sided tournament. More young players are emerging from several continental tournaments in Botswana,” he said.
A determined Adegoke admitted he would elevate his game this year to challenge favourites like Kuti. “I am hoping to make it to the final this year, and anything can happen when I get there. It is not going to be easy because everybody is playing well, but I am confident I can turn the tide against anyone on the table,” he added.
For the national coach, Dotun Omoniyi, the staging of the clinic would make the tournament competitive this year as the players never hide their intention to humble one another.
