Vivian Ahanmisi

The maiden edition of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) National Table Tennis Championships will begin on Monday at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The two-day event will feature students from across the country competing for honours, as the NSSF continues efforts to revive grassroots sports and identify young talents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship is part of a broader NSSF strategy to engage youths in sports and promote early athletic development.

It also seeks to identify, train, and nurture future table tennis stars who can represent Nigeria at major continental and global competitions in the coming years.

Funsho Usman, Secretary General of the NSSF, said on Sunday that the tournament was designed to give students real match experience, which is critical to their long-term development.

He explained that by competing under structured rules, young players would better understand the demands of professional-level sport, helping to bridge the gap between school and elite competition.

“We are fully aware of Nigeria’s rich sporting potential, especially among the youth who often lack platforms to express and develop their talents.

“At the NSSF, we believe in creating equal opportunities for all students, regardless of background, to showcase their skills and be given a fair chance to succeed.

“This championship is not just about crowning winners; it is about providing visibility, recognition, and a pathway for every participating student,” Usman said.

He stressed that the competition aligns with the NSSF’s mission of ensuring students are prepared to transition from school-level sports to international representation.

Usman also confirmed that invitations were sent to schools and state teams nationwide, ensuring wide participation and fostering national unity through sport.

He said the championship would be closely monitored by certified technical officials and national team scouts, to help identify and track promising players for future training.

“By involving national-level coaches and scouts, we’re ensuring that emerging talents receive the right exposure and support from the very beginning of their journey,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kamal Tayo Oropo