The highly anticipated Isoko Nation Unity Table Tennis Tournament is set to begin, promoting unity and sportsmanship among the Isoko people. The event will featured a series of clan qualifiers taking place across Delta and Bayelsa States, culminating in a grand finale on December 28, 2024, at the Isoko Unity House in Oleh, where players will compete for a grand prize of one million naira.
According to tournament spokesman Mr. Elo Akose, the tournament kicks off with four qualifying events starting Thursday, November 7, 2024, and concluding on Friday, November 15, 2024. Each clan is invited to select their top table tennis players, with four players to be chosen after rigorous competitions.
The tournament will be officiated by leading table tennis professionals and officials from the Asaba Table Tennis Club (ATTC), the Delta State Table Tennis Association, the South-South Table Tennis Association, and the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF). Notable sporting brands and bookmakers are also expected to participate, enhancing the tournament’s prestige.
The event will begin on November 7th, with an opening qualifier at Peccan Hotel, Emevor, Delta State, featuring clans from Emevor, Iyede, Owhe, Ozoro, Ellu/Ovrode/Aradhe, Ibrede, and Igbuku.
On November 13th, action move to the Staff Club at Delta State University, Oleh Campus, with Aviara, Onogboko, Ofagbe, Oleh, Okpe-Isoko, Irri, and Oyede clans competing.
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The competition continues on November 14, where Six additional clans— Igbide, Okpolo/Ewhen, Olomoro, Umeh/Erowa, Uzere, and Emede—will showcase their skills.
Why on November 15, the qualifiers conclude at the Sports Complex Ogum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, featuring the Okugbe Isoko clan.
This cross-state initiative highlights the tournament’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement within Isoko Nation.
Dr. Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on New Media and the tournament’s facilitator, expressed excitement about the event’s potential to strengthen community ties. “This tournament is a fantastic opportunity for participants to showcase their skills and for our community to come together in celebration of unity and sports during the festive season. We expect great energy, excitement, and community pride,” he stated.
Known as ‘The Black Prince of Isoko Nation,’ Dr. Nathaniel emphasized his goal to promote table tennis and foster a spirit of communal living among the Isoko people, uniting them through shared heritage and history.
Spectators are encouraged to attend and support their local teams as the tournament promises an exciting showcase of talent and friendly competition. Beyond athleticism, the event aims to strengthen community bonds and celebrate Isoko culture.
