International Table tennis champion Offiong Edem has urged the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to establish a national league.

Edem believes a national league would inject the spirit of competition and significantly enhance the sport’s profile in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press briefing about the 4th edition of the table tennis tournament for children aged 9 to 17, the table tennis star emphasized that such a league would help expose individual players and boost the sport’s fortunes nationwide.

Edem stressed the need for a structured league in Nigeria to support budding players who cannot afford to travel abroad for competitions.

She pointed out that an organized national league would provide much-needed exposure and competitive opportunities for local players.

“What we have in Nigeria is tennis clubs. We need to have a league. We have many budding players who cannot afford to travel outside to compete.

“Establishment of a National tennis league, like what you have in football, will help much to bolster Tennis competitions in the country and expose individual players.”

She also discussed the financial challenges of competing in international tournaments, and how they’re crucial for Players’ ratings.

“It is very expensive. You need at least $3000 to process participation. And when you play in such tournaments frequently your world ranking improves.”

On her qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Edem shared her excitement about competing for the fifth time.

“My participation in the 2024 Olympics will be much better. Many colleagues have departed for their different training camps abroad. I will soon depart for Germany for two weeks before flying into Paris for the Olympics.”