Kwara’s Fabunmi Shines as Nigeria Defeats Egypt to Win Table Tennis Gold at African Youth Games
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A Kwara State–born athlete, Fabunmi Mathew, was at the centre of Nigeria’s outstanding table tennis success at the 4th African Youth Games, as the country defeated continental powerhouse Egypt to clinch the mixed team gold medal.
Fabunmi, who represented Nigeria alongside Ojo Favour, delivered a composed and dominant performance in the final, helping the Nigerian mixed team secure a convincing 2–0 victory over Egypt and confirming Nigeria’s growing strength in youth table tennis on the African stage.
The Kwara athlete also enjoyed an impressive individual campaign at the Games, winning a bronze medal in the singles event and a gold medal in the mixed doubles, emerging as one of Nigeria’s most decorated athletes at the championship.
Nigeria’s road to gold was marked by notable victories over strong opponents. The team defeated Tunisia in the quarterfinals before overcoming Algeria in a fiercely contested semifinal to set up the final clash against Egypt.
The achievement was crowned at the medal presentation ceremony, where the Nigerian team received their medals from the President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, adding further prestige to the historic triumph.
Fabunmi’s success has been widely celebrated across Kwara State, reflecting the sustained commitment of the Kwara State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, to youth empowerment and sports development.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, commended Fabunmi for his discipline, resilience, and exemplary performance, describing the achievement as a clear product of the Governor’s sports development vision. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to nurturing young talents and providing the right platforms for Kwara athletes to excel at national and international competitions.
The victory over Egypt, a traditional powerhouse in African table tennis, underscores the bright future of Nigeria’s youth athletes and further strengthens Kwara State’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for sporting excellence.
✍️ Olaide Ahli
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