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The 7th China–NUJ FCT Council Annual Table Tennis Championship rounded off in Abuja on a delightful note, with Chioma Amajor of the NUJ Abuja Correspondents’ Chapel claiming the women’s singles crown.
Declaring the tournament open, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, praised the long-standing cooperation, camaraderie, and sporting spirit shared between the Union and the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria.
She described table tennis as more than a recreational activity, noting that it embodies precision, resilience, and determination, qualities that mirror the ethos of journalism and the unity it fosters.
“We extend our profound gratitude to the China Cultural Center for their unwavering support in sustaining this tournament.
“Their dedication to strengthening cultural ties and nurturing friendship through sport continues to add immense value to this event.
“We sincerely appreciate their partnership and their commitment to deepening the bond between our communities,” she said.
Amajor outplayed Nie Xiaohua of the Chinese Cultural Center 11–2, 8–11, 11–9 in Saturday’s final to secure the 2025 title, while Chen Huiling settled for third place.
In the men’s singles category, NTA’s Ignatius Nkoh placed third, finishing behind champion He Ling and first runner-up Wang Yongtao.
Tournament debutant Victor Okoye of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also recorded an impressive outing. He swept aside his Chinese opponent in straight sets in the Round of 32 and later defeated compatriot Fortune Abang (2–0) in the Round of 16. His run ended in the quarter-finals after a gripping two-set battle with top-rated Chinese player, Gao Qian.
For the men’s doubles, the pair of Wang Yangtao and He Ling emerged champions. Shi Changqiang and Xui Haita finished as runners-up, while the team of Ignatius Okoh and Nwokocha took third place.
In the mixed doubles, the duo of Shi Changqiang and Che Huiling claimed the title. He Ling and Nie Xoahua came second, with Tan Jian and Wan Lu finishing third.
Winners in each category received N250,000, second-place athletes went home with N200,000, while third-place finishers earned N150,000.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr. Tang Jianxing, described the competition as an extension of “table tennis diplomacy.”
He emphasized the closeness of Nigeria–China relations, noting that Nigeria ranks among China’s top five friendly nations.
Jianxing, who also serves as Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the deep mutual respect between the two countries. He added that the tournament serves as an avenue to strengthen interpersonal connections and enhance understanding through sport.
“I want to thank the NUJ and all Nigerian journalists. Your interest in China, your appreciation of our culture, and your coverage of our shared cooperation are vital. Without this, our mutually beneficial partnership and strategic relations would not stand strong over time,” he said.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Managing Director of NAN, Mallam Ali M. Ali, expressed pride in being associated with the event.
Represented by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Mr. Oluwole Shogunle, Ali said the tournament aligns with the values upheld by NAN.
“It promotes friendship, strengthens bilateral relations, and enhances team spirit, these are values we champion at NAN. We commend the NUJ and the Chinese Embassy for sustaining this initiative,” he stated.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Salihu Dembos, lauded the Chinese Centre for keeping the tournament alive through seven editions.
Represented by General Manager (Sports) Mr. Ademuyi Kayode, Dembos traced the history of table tennis, noting its evolution into an Olympic sport in 1988 and Nigeria’s steady rise in global competitions since then.
He added that with the high level of skill showcased at this year’s championship, it was time for the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation to take a more active role.
