Africa Games and African Championship medallist Matthew Kuti has been dethroned as national champion at the second Daniel Ford Elite Youth Invitational Table Tennis Championships. Rabiat Ayoola also emerged as the new U-19 girls’ champion during the two-day event, which concluded on Saturday in Lagos.

Organized by the Nigeria Tennis Federation and sponsored by UK-based real estate entrepreneur Yemi Edun, the tournament featured 75 top players from across Nigeria.

Despite leading 3-1 in the boys’ U-19 final, Kuti was defeated by Abdulfatai, who mounted an impressive comeback to win 4-3 (7-11, 10-12, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9), claiming his first victory over the defending champion at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

In the U-19 girls’ final, Rabiat Ayoola staged her own remarkable comeback to defeat Aishat Rabiu 4-3 (11-9, 8-11, 14-16, 8-11, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4) and secure the championship.

The U-15 categories also delivered thrilling contests. Abia State earned their first national title in the girls’ U-15 final as Chinenye Okafor overcame Lagos State’s Ifeoluwa Ajasa 3-2 (11-5, 11-9, 11-13, 9-11, 11-6). Meanwhile, Lagos State’s Abdulamid Adebayo stunned Kogi’s Samuel Dada with a 3-2 victory (4-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7) to win the boys’ U-15 title.

Special guest Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, praised Yemi Edun for his commitment to youth development. “I commend Yemi Edun for sponsoring this tournament that helps discover new talents. I encourage other Nigerians in the Diaspora to follow his example in supporting our youths,” she stated.

Edun expressed his dedication to growing the tournament and supporting the players’ development. “Consistency is key for us as sponsors, and we hope the players can continue to raise their game. I remember watching events in this stadium years ago, and I share the passion and enthusiasm these players have.”