Kogi's Ibrahim Umar reaches last 16 in NTTF U16 Table Tennis Championship

Ibrahim Umar

Ibrahim Umar of Kogi State qualified for the last 16 of the ongoing Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) Championship in Lagos following his impressive victory on Friday.

Umar who is among the four athletes two boys and two girls representing Kogi State at the ten-day, overcame fatigue coasting to victory over his opponent.

It recalled that talented young Umar won the Boys’ Singles event finishing ahead of colleague Michael Oboyomi and Uganda’s Rodney Ssemata at the ITTF-Africa Hopes Challenge in Nairobi in 2014.

Local media reports that the Kogi contingents had their participation rescued by the president of NTTF, Wahid Enitan-Oshodi.

However, Comrade Arome Adoji, special adviser on youths and sports to Kogi state governor has pledged total support for the team to ensure they make the state proud.

The youth table tennis event taking place at the National Training Centre in National Stadium, Lagos commenced on March 29 and ends on April 8.

Kogi is contending for honours alongside state across the country with the top eight players in the boys and girls event expected to qualify for the Super League.

Organisers say the grand finale which is known as Super League will hold on May 14 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.