…10-time African champion defeats Akindiji in men’s singles final, also claims doubles title

Table tennis legend Atanda Musa emerged champion of the fourth edition of the Alake of Egbaland Birthday Tournament after defeating Dapo Akindiji 4-1 in the men’s singles final.

The week-long competition, organised in honour of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, who celebrated his 83rd birthday, featured several categories and attracted players and dignitaries.

Musa, a 10-time African men’s singles champion, demonstrated his experience and quality in the final, winning the first two sets 11-9, 11-7.

Akindiji responded by claiming the third set 12-10, but Musa regained control with an 11-9 victory in the fourth before wrapping up the contest with an emphatic 11-3 win in the fifth set.

The former African champion completed a double triumph by partnering Mukaila Salami to win the men’s doubles title.

The pair defeated Akindiji and Gbenga Fetuga 3-1 in the final, taking the first two sets 11-6, 11-2.

Although their opponents fought back to claim the third set 15-13, Musa and Salami maintained their composure to secure an 11-9 victory in the fourth set and seal the title.

In the women’s singles final, Abiola Ihwiwhu defeated Yewande Banjoko 3-1 to emerge champion.

Ihwiwhu edged a closely contested opening set 12-10 before Banjoko drew level with an 11-9 win in the second.

However, Ihwiwhu raised her game in the remaining sets, recording identical 11-6 victories to clinch the championship.

Speaking after his victory, Musa attributed his composure in the final to his wealth of experience, insisting that competing in major finals over several decades had prepared him for such occasions.

“I have been playing for a very long time. This is just like a normal tournament to me. I have been playing for at least three decades and I have been playing in major finals, so this is not something I need to worry myself about. I knew I was going to win,” he said.

The former African champion also identified temperament and patience as key factors that gave him an advantage over Akindiji.

“He needs to work on his high temper. When you have a high temper, you cannot play table tennis. You need to have a lot of patience, and this is what I have over my opponent. That is an advantage for me,” Musa added.

The tournament also attracted commendation from dignitaries, including Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who praised the spirit of sportsmanship, unity and community engagement promoted by the competition.

The Agba Akin of Egbaland, Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, described the tournament as a fitting tribute to the monarch, highlighting his contributions to development, youth empowerment and sports.

“Kabiyesi has played roles in the past to justify the honour that is being done to him. You have a monarch who is exceptional. He is truly pro-development, pro-progress and pro-youth,” Adeoluwa said.

He explained that the tournament was one of the initiatives he and his wife considered appropriate for celebrating the monarch, particularly given his sporting background.

“This is one of the little ways that my wife and I consider appropriate to honour him, particularly as he was a sportsman in his heyday at Ikoyi Club,” he added.

Chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938, Mr Akinwumi Akintola, also described the Alake as a respected figure whose humility and commitment to people made him worthy of emulation.

“Kabiyesi is someone who is highly respected and epitomises humility. I have a lot of respect for him and it is a pleasure to be part of an event like this where we recognise him on his birthday,” Akintola said.

He noted that the competition had reached its fourth edition, having started when the monarch turned 79.

“Kabiyesi is 83, so this started when he was 79. I wish him a long life into his 90s and 100s. He is someone people should want to emulate because of his humility and his love for everybody. The man just exudes love,” he said.

The annual tournament has continued to provide a platform for table tennis competition while celebrating the Alake’s contributions to Egbaland and his longstanding association with sports.

Musa’s double triumph was the highlight of this year’s edition, as the veteran champion once again demonstrated the quality and competitive spirit that have defined his distinguished career.