Abuja: Chioma Amaja of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Correspondents Chapel has emerged female singles Champion of the 7th edition of the China-NUJ-FCT Council annual table tennis competition.
She defeated Nie Xiaohua of the Chinese Cultural Centre 11-2, 8-11, 11-9 in the final to emerge champion of the 2025 edition in Abuja on Saturday, while Chen Huiling came third.
In the Male singles category, Ignatius Nkoh of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) came third behind He Ling, who emerged champion and Wang Yongtao, who was the first runner-up.
Victor Okoye of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who made his debut in the tournament, also gave a good account of himself, dismissing his Chinese opponent in the round of 32 in two straight sets.
He also saw off his colleague and fellow compatriot, Fortune Abang (2-0) in the round of 16 before bowing out gracefully in the quarter-finals to the Chinese top-rated player, Gao Qian, after a pulsating and nerve-wracking two-set encounter.
In the men’s double category, Wang Yangtao and He Ling emerged champions, while Shi Changqiang and Xui Haita were first runner-up, and Ignatius Okoh and Nwokocha came third.
In the mixed double category, Shi Changqiang and Che Huiling emerged champions, while He Ling and Nie Xoahua were first runner-up, while Tan Jian and Wan Lu came third.
Winners of each category received a cash reward of N250,000, the first runner-up received N200,000, and the third-place winner received N150,000.
Earlier at the opening ceremony, the Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr Tang Jianxing, said that the competition is part of table tennis diplomacy.
He stated that Nigeria and China are very close friends, noting that Nigeria ranks among the top five friendly nations to China.
Jianxing, who is also the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, stated that there is mutual respect between the two countries and that the competition serves as an opportunity to get closer to each other’s hearts and learn more about each other through sports.
“I have to thank the NUJ and all the journalists in your country, without your understanding and your focus on China, your appreciation of Chinese culture, the mutual beneficial cooperation, the comprehensive strategic partnership between both cannot be safe to stand the test of time,” he said.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Chapel, Ms Grace Ike, commended the friendship, collaboration, and healthy competition between the NUJ and the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria.
She said that Table Tennis is more than just a sport, stating that it is a celebration of skill, agility, and perseverance, which are values that resonate deeply with the spirit of journalism and the unity it upholds.
“I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the China Cultural Centre for their invaluable support in making this tournament possible.
“Their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and friendship through sport truly enriches this event.
“We are grateful for their partnership and dedication to strengthening ties between our communities,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mallam Ali M. Ali, said that NAN is proud to be associated with the tournament.
Represented by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Mr Oluwole Shogunle, Ali stated that the tournament embodies the values promoted by NAN.
“It fosters friendship, stronger bilateral relations and team building, and these are the values we promoted in the News Agency of Nigeria.
“So we are glad to be here today to be associated with this event; we congratulate the organisers, the NUJ and the Chinese Embassy for putting this together,” he said.
Also, the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Salihu Dembos, commended the centre for sustaining the competition to its 7th edition.
Represented by the General Manager of Sports, Mr Adeniyi Kayode, Dembos recalled that table tennis was established in the late 19th century but became an official Olympic sport in 1988.
He said that since then, Nigeria has been waxing stronger and has won many international medals across competitions.
Dembos said that, given the level of talent displayed at the annual event, it was time to involve the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation.