Stunning Talent Discoveries at National Principal’s Cup Finals

Despite losing in four straight sets to Sadiat Akeem of Oyo State in the Girls Singles 10 years old Ize Sezuo of Government College, Ibillo, Kogi State, was the toast of the table tennis finals concluded on Monday at the National Principal’s Cup.

The wonder for organisers, technical official and spectstors was how the Junior Secondary School 2 student mustered the college to defeat various opponents through the state, zonal qualifiers and into the national finals.

President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Ishaku Tikon who sat through the competion could not help celebrating her as he beamed with the joy in the assurance the wonder kid and the winner, Sadiat, provides for the future of the game in Nigeria.

The boys also presented a class act with Timileyin Ajibade, representing the North Central Zone, exhibiting uncommon calm, confidence, artistry and tactics to shake off Samuel Boboye of Bayelsa State’s first set lead to finish at 4-2.

Samuel had earlier paired with John Matthew to win the Boys Doubles just as Sadiat also won the girls doubles with Kabira Ayoola.

Equally outstanding was Marcus Victor of Rivers State who showed class to win gold in the boys 100m and 200m in very good times for his age.

Action shifted later in the day to the football semi finals in which favourites FOLSA Academy of the Federal Capital Territory pipped City College Owerri to set up a final clash with Christ Comprehensive College, Kaduna who trounced Orile Illugun Comprehensive College of Ogun State 3-1 in the second semi final.

Director of Grassroots Sports in Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr Ademola Are, enthused that notwithstanding the winners and losers in the events, the most important thing is the discovery of young talents to be nurtured to possibly represent the country and also attain fulfilling careers in sports in the future.

Also reacting on the discoveries, Oritshe Tony Pemu, Managing Director of Hideaplus, marketing partners and coordinators of the National Principal’s Cup promised that the outcome of the pilot edition of the event is a revelation of the exposures which the competion is designed to provide for young talents in Nigeria.

“On our part, we are committed to elevating the event both in organisation and visibility as a strong brand with beneficial accommodation for corporate organisations and top brands to partner with government in delivering on the potentials and expectations on Nigerian spprts”, he said.

The National Principal’s Cup comes to a close on Tuesday, March 30 with Her Excellency, Mrs Aisha Buhari expected to grace the occasion.