…distributes Table tennis kits to players
The indoor hall of Agunbiade in the Somolu local government area of the state was filled to its capacity as sports-loving fans and dignitaries were present at the 1st Funke Oshonaike Table Tennis championship put together by the Somolu Table Tennis Association in conjunction with the Somolu local government held in honour of the table tennis legend.
The top-notch sporting event which was held on Wednesday 19th July 2023 in honour of seventh times Olympic Table Tennis player who has not only done Somolu pride but Lagos, Nigeria and Africa in its entirety was put together as a way of appreciating the heroine of the game for her contribution by the association.
Speaking to Somolu News shortly after the event, the elated Oshonaike described her homecoming event as evergreen and honour well deserved noting that she wasn’t expecting such accolade bestowed on her by her people while urging the young table tennis players not to rest on their oars.
She went further, “In fact, I’m on top of the world right now because every time I come home, I’ve always wanted to come to do one or two things but have always been engaged in one tournament or the other and right now, I’m back home to give back to the society that made who I’m today”.
“Honestly, I’m so happy to be back home and I appreciate the warm welcome coupled with the maiden edition Table Tennis Championship held in my honour. I’m so grateful to all the coaches, players and dignitaries present at the event”.
“However, I want to urge the young players to remain focused both in their academic and sporting careers. They should not allow any distractions from peer groups or relatives in order for them to achieve their dream goal as far as the game of Table Tennis is concerned”. She posited
However, Funke through her foundation, Funke Oshonaike Foundation shared table tennis kits to young players as a way of encouraging them in their sporting careers with a promise to do more
In his submission, the Super for Agric and sports, Hon. Ayo-Coker who represented the Executive Chairman of the Somolu local government further reiterated the Hon. Dullar-led administration’s commitment towards achieving the needed goal in the area of sports in line with Babajide Sanwo-Olu T.H.E.M.E. agenda stating that the council chairman will continue to sponsor players as he did to some players Ahmed Adeyinka, Bose Odusanya, and Ganiu Ashimiyu to mention but few.
Meanwhile, in the Boy’s category finals, Sultan Issa defeated AbdulLateef Hammed 11-6, 11-5 (2-0) to win the coveted trophy and cash prize while Taiwo Coker won the female category with an undisputed 2-0 victory against her counterpart, Balkis Summer.
Present at the epoch-making event include the Super for Agric and Sports; Hon. Ayo-Coker, the SSA on Sports; Hon. Abdul Raheem Afeez Mabayomije (Gafara), SA on Transportation; Hon. Bambo Badejo, SA on Sports; Hon. Wellington Amadasun, the Chairman of Somolu Table Tennis Association; Mr Ademola Adekunle, the Vice-Chairman of Somolu Table Tennis Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Adeyinka.
Others include Coach Aloba Sulaiman, the Head Coach of Surma Coaching Club; Coach Hammed Surma, Usma Gazar, Akanni Rilwan, Amidu Lawal, Mufuli Muraino, Mr Ndubusi Okechukwu, Bose Akinsete and other top government functionaries.
