{
  "id": 12738347,
  "title": "NTTF mourns former national coach Obisanya",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/nttf-mourns-former-national-coach-obisanya",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T23:54:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/nttf-mourns-former-national-coach-obisanya/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation expressed sorrow over the passing of former national coach Babatunde Obisanya, a trailblazer in the sport who passed away on Tuesday, October 6, at the age of 77 after a long illness. Obisanya represented Nigeria in various international competitions before transitioning into coaching. Speaking on behalf of the federation, President Adesoji Tayo hailed him as a towering figure whose efforts significantly bolstered table tennis in Nigeria and across the African continent. Despite officially retiring in 2010, Obisanya remained deeply involved in the sport, providing invaluable guidance to the federation, supporting national competitions, and sharing his extensive experience. Known for his deep love of the game and willingness to speak out when he perceived a problem, Obisanya also served as a mentor to many aspiring players, earning the respect and admiration of the entire table tennis community in Nigeria and Africa. In 1968, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the inaugural men's singles champion of the Asoju Oba Cup, a tournament sponsored by the late Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas. This prestigious competition began as a local Lagos event, featuring 20 men and 12 women in its inaugural year. In 1976, Obisanya shared the esteemed Nigeria Sportsman of the Year award with athletics star Modupe Osikoya, recognizing his remarkable achievements both domestically and internationally. Throughout his illustrious career, Obisanya represented Nigeria at the African Games, African Championships, and World Championships, earning recognition as one of the country's most celebrated athletes during the 1970s. During the \"Ping Pong Diplomacy\" era in 1975, he and fellow Nigerian player Lateef Sunmola made history by reaching the finals of a prominent international tournament, marking the first time a non-Asian pair achieved such a feat at that level. After retiring from competitive play, Obisanya served as the head coach of the national team from 1976 to 2010, during which he nurtured numerous African tennis talents, including the legendary Segun Toriola. Even after leaving his coaching position, he remained active in sports administration, chairing the Adegboyega Efunkoya National U-15 Table Tennis Championship, where he championed the integration of education with youth sports development. His outspoken criticism of the lack of support and resources allocated to table tennis and other sports in favor of football further underscored his commitment to the sport's growth and development.",
  "summary": "The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation has mourned former national coach Babatunde Obisanya, who died on Tuesday at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness. Read More: https://punchng.com/nttf-mourns-former-national-coach-obisanya/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "NTTF mourns former national coach Obisanya",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/nttf-mourns-former-national-coach-obisanya",
        "published": "2026-10-08T00:00:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}