Hope Udoaka of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Calabar, has once again proven her dominance on the national stage, clinching the title of Women’s Singles Champion at the 10th Elicris Cups National Table Tennis Top 32 Invitational Championships. The tournament, held at the Sir Chief Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, concluded on December 24, 2024, with Udoaka delivering a stellar performance in the finals NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
The rising star from Cross River state secured the coveted title by defeating Sukurat Aiyelebegan of Kwara State in a thrilling 4-2 showdown. Udoaka’s victory not only reaffirms her position as a formidable force in Nigerian table tennis but also marks her successful defense of the national title she had previously won.
In a statement expressing her gratitude, Udoaka attributed her success to divine intervention and the unwavering support of her team and sponsors.
“All thanks to God for making it possible for me to attend. My heartfelt appreciation goes to the Honourable Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club for his continued support in developing players from Cross River state. It is truly a joy to announce that I have once again defended the title,” she said.
The championship, organized by the Lagos State Table Tennis Association in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and BAA Foundation, featured Nigeria’s top table tennis talents across Men’s and Women’s Singles categories. The competition boasted a ₦3 million prize pool, with the Women’s Singles Champion receiving ₦500,000.
Udoaka’s journey to the championship showcased her exceptional skills and determination, earning her accolades from fans and officials alike. Speaking about her performance, the competition manager, Peters Segun, described her as a shining example of talent nurtured through dedication and community support.
“Hope Udoaka’s victory is a testament to the incredible talent coming out of Canaan Table Tennis Club and Cross River State. Her win highlights the importance of investing in grassroots sports development,” Segun said.
