By Wakawaka Sports
Samuel Akagha dethroned defending champion Kenneth Emeghara to win the 2026 Omereibe Safari Table Tennis Championship, as sponsor Chief Chima Duruaku challenged players to improve their skills and deliver more competitive contests in future editions.
Akagha defeated Emeghara 3–0 in the final, winning 11–9, 11–6, 11–4 to claim the ₦50,000 top prize at the Safari Recreation Club.
The victory 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 ran from October 19 to 23, 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 players raise their competitive standards, promising to organise a table tennis skills clinic to strengthen their technical abilities.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the sponsor said he had expected a more fiercely contested final, given the resources committed to the championship.
He urged players to take training more seriously and demonstrate greater improvement in subsequent competitions.
Duruaku explained that the proposed clinic would help players sharpen their techniques, improve tactical awareness and encourage beginners to develop an interest in the sport.
His remarks highlighted the need to complement financial investment in sporting competitions with deliberate efforts to improve players’ abilities.
Club President Calls for More Activities
President of Safari Recreation Club, Chief Cyprian Inegbu, commended Duruaku for fulfilling his promise to make the championship an annual event.
Inegbu urged other sections of the club to emulate the table tennis section by organising regular activities that would encourage participation and strengthen the club’s recreational culture.
He noted that the tournament had brought excitement to the club, providing members with opportunities to relax, compete and interact.
According to him, recreation remains a major reason for the club’s existence, adding that sporting activities should occupy a prominent place in its programmes.
Ukah Hails Sponsor, Technical Committee
Coordinator of the Table Tennis Section, 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 his contributions had helped sustain the section’s activities and development.
He also commended the players for their participation and praised the Technical Committee, led by Dec. Onyekwere Ugboaja, for its efforts in organising the tournament.
The coordinator further acknowledged Imo State table tennis coach, Mr Christin Nwankwo, for his presence and contribution throughout the competition.
He said the cooperation of the sponsor, players, officials and club members remained essential to the continued growth of the section.
Trustee Advocates School Competition
Meanwhile, club trustee ABC Duruaku praised the organisers for a successful championship but called for greater commitment from 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 talents.
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 maintained that the future of the championship depended on sustained participation, improved skills and collective commitment.
ABC Duruaku thanked the sponsor for his generosity and presented him with a gift in recognition of his contributions to the section.
Prize 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 ended in a convivial atmosphere, with food, drinks and fellowship adding to the celebration.
With the sponsor promising a skills clinic and club leaders calling for stronger participation, the next edition is expected to place greater emphasis on player development, talent discovery and a higher standard of competition.
