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By Wakawaka Sports
Samuel Akagha dethroned reigning champion Kenneth Emeghara to win the 2026 Omereibe Safari Table Tennis Championship, as sponsor Sir. Chima Duruaku challenged players to improve their skills and offer more competitive races in future editions.
Akagha defeated Emeghara 3–0 in the final, winning 14–12, 11–6, 11–4 to take the first prize of ₦50,000 at the Safari Recreation Club.
The win marked a reversal of fortunes for Akagha, who lost to Emeghara in last year’s final. This time, he produced a commanding performance to avenge that defeat and emerge champion.
The competition, which took place from 19 to 23 October, attracted club members and table tennis enthusiasts for several days of sporting action and social interaction.
Despite the emphatic nature of the final, Duruaku expressed his desire to see the players raise their competitive standards, promising to organize a table tennis skills course to strengthen their technical skills.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the sponsor said it expected a closer final, given the resources committed to the championship.
He urged players to take training more seriously and demonstrate greater improvements in subsequent competitions.
Duruaku explained that the proposed course would help players refine their techniques, improve tactical awareness and encourage beginners to develop an interest in the sport.
His remarks highlighted the need to complement financial investments in sporting competitions with deliberate efforts to improve players’ skills.
The club president calls for further activities
Safari Recreation Club president, Chief Cyprian Inegbu, commended Duruaku for keeping his promise to make the championship an annual event.
Inegbu urged other sections of the club to emulate the table tennis section by organizing regular activities that encourage participation and strengthen the club’s recreational culture.
He noted that the tournament brought excitement to the club, giving members the opportunity to relax, compete and interact.
According to him, leisure remains the main reason for the club’s existence, adding that sports activities should occupy a prominent place in its programs.
Ukah greets the sponsor, the technical committee
Table Tennis Section Coordinator, Dr Gabriel Oche Ukah, expressed appreciation to Duruaku for his continued financial and moral support.
Ukah said the sponsor’s commitment extended beyond the annual championship, noting that its contributions helped support the activities and development of the section.
He also commended the players for their participation and commended the Technical Committee, led by Dec. Onyekwere Ugboaja, for their efforts in organizing the tournament.
The coordinator also recognized Imo State Table Tennis Coach, Mr Christian Nwankwo, for his presence and contribution during the competition.
He said the collaboration of the sponsor, players, officials and club members remains essential to the continued growth of the section.
School competition for supporters of the trustee
Meanwhile, club trustee Sir ABC Duruaku praised the organizers for the championship’s success but called for greater commitment from the players to make future finals more competitive.
He urged the sponsor to consider extending the development initiative to secondary schools, saying such a move could help discover and nurture young talent.
The trustee also expressed concern about members who participate in club activities only during competitions, urging them to attend training sessions regularly and contribute more consistently to the development of the section.
He argued that the future of the league depends on sustained participation, improved skills and collective commitment.
Sir Duruaku thanked the sponsor for his generosity and presented him with a gift in recognition of his contribution to the section.
Award winners
Akagha received ₦50,000 for winning the championship, while runner-up Emeghara collected ₦40,000.
The two losing semi-finalists, Chief Chima Duruaku and Dr Gabriel Oche Ukah, received ₦20,000 each.
The closing ceremony concluded in a convivial atmosphere, with food, drinks and fellowship enriching the celebration.
With the sponsor promising professional training and club leaders calling for greater participation, the next edition is expected to place greater emphasis on player development, talent discovery and a higher standard of competition.
