The second edition of the Atanda Musa U-15 Invitational Tournament serves off Monday at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, with 32 of the country’s brightest young talents competing for top honours.
Organised by the Lagos State Table Tennis Association in partnership with Lagos Country Club, the two-day competition is both a talent discovery platform and a philanthropic initiative of former Commonwealth champion Atanda Musa.
Now based in the United States, Musa was one of Africa’s most decorated players in the 1990s, representing Nigeria across the globe before moving into coaching stints in Spain and Saudi Arabia.
This year’s tournament will feature 16 boys and 16 girls — selected from the recent Efunkoya Championships — with rising stars such as Umar Ayoola and Khadijat Musa expected to headline the field.
Sharing his motivation for the project, Musa said:
“My inspiration came from what I witnessed in the US, where former athletes actively contribute to society. I’m replicating that model here in Nigeria to encourage others to support the communities that shaped them. Nigeria is rich in sporting talent, and initiatives like this can motivate young athletes to strive harder and aim higher.”
In addition to prize money, organisers have introduced educational support for participants this year, providing learning materials as schools prepare to reopen.
“Our goal is not only to nurture champions in sports but also to ensure they have a strong academic foundation,” Musa added.
Chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association, Tunji Lawal, praised Musa’s effort, describing it as a model for other ex-athletes to emulate.
“This tournament accelerates the development of young players within the table tennis community. Atanda Musa began his journey here in Lagos before rising to international acclaim. Hosting this event where it all started is truly meaningful,” Lawal said.
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