Chveron, NNPC battle for table tennis gold at NOGIG Games in Abuja

Action continues today at the 19th Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games taking place at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Complex Abuja with the final of the men’s singles table tennis event between Keye Surajudeen Adekunle of NNPC and Oyewole Olusegun of Chevron Nigeria Limited as the most anticipated event.

Adekunle defeated pre-games favourite and NOGIG 2020 silver medalist Joseph Adebayo of NCDMB in straight sets 11/8, 11/7and 11/8 to set up the final with Olusegun.

After the match, the victorious Adekunle acknowledged the playing capacity of his opponent, adding that he had known him long before the match.

He said he was prepared for the final as he would be up against the defending champion.

 “Last edition, I was not able to get to the final because I was walked over. But this is a different scenario altogether.”

His opponent in the final and defending champion, Oyewole Olusegun, representing Chevron, is a man of few words. He said he remains focused on retaining his gold medal.

“It’s going to be a little bit tough,” he started. “My opponent is a left-handed player, and his type is usually difficult to beat. But I am going to face him as he comes because I am not going to let go of my gold medal.”

In the veterans’ category of tennis event, Ibiba Williams of NNPC came from behind to defeat Chinedu Idike of ExxonMobil 1/6, 6/2, 10/8 to win the gold medal. NNPC were at it again when the pair of Awin Ganjang and Udofa defeated the pair of Fola/Oladeli of NCDMB 6/2, 7/5 to win another gold for NNPC.