By VIVIAN AHANMISI

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of its former national coach, Babatunde Obisanya, who died on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the age of 77.

Obisanya, who represented Nigeria as a player before becoming national coach, died after a prolonged illness at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

NTTF President, Adesoji Tayo, described Obisanya as a towering figure whose contributions helped advance table tennis in Nigeria and across Africa.

“It is sad to hear of the passing of one of Nigeria’s longest-serving players and coaches, Babatunde Obisanya, whose immense contribution to the sport cannot be overstated.

He said Obisanya remained committed to the sport even after retiring in 2010.

“In spite of retiring in 2010, Coach Obisanya continued to offer valuable advice to the federation.

“He was always present at national competitions, lending his support and sharing his vast experience.

“He loved table tennis passionately and never hesitated to voice his concerns whenever he felt something was wrong,” he said.

He described the late coach as a father figure to many players, adding that he would be greatly missed by the table tennis family in Nigeria and Africa.

He said Obisanya etched his name in Nigerian table tennis history in 1968 when he became the first men’s singles champion of the now-defunct Asoju Oba Cup.

The president said that in 1976, he was named Nigeria’s Sportsman of the Year alongside legendary athletics star Modupe Osikoya.

He said this followed years of dominance by the duo within and outside the African continent.

He said during his playing career, Obisanya represented Nigeria at several major international competitions, including the African Games, African Championships and World Championships.

He said he was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Nigerian table tennis on the global stage.

The president said Obisanya was also among Nigeria’s prominent international competitors during the 1970s.

He said during the era of “Ping Pong Diplomacy” in 1975, he partnered Lateef Sunmola to reach major tournament finals.

He said they became the only non-Asian pair to achieve such a feat at that level.

According to him, after retiring from active play, Obisanya served as head coach of Nigeria’s national table tennis team from 1976 to 2010.

He said during the period, he mentored and evaluated some of Africa’s finest players, including Nigerian table tennis legend Segun Toriola.

He said even after stepping down as national coach, Obisanya remained active in sports administration.

He served as chairman and a key driving force behind the Adegboyega Efunkoya National U-15 Table Tennis Championship.

At the championship, he consistently advocated the integration of education with youth sports development.

He said Obisanya’s legacy as a player, coach, mentor and administrator will remain an enduring part of Nigerian table tennis history. (NAN)