2026 O’jez Ladder table tennis tournament serves off at Ikeja Country Club

The 2026 O’jez Ladder table tennis tournament served off to a bright start at the Ikeja Country Club table tennis section on Wednesday with over 300 players vying for honours.

Exclusive only to members of the table tennis section, the tournament offers an opportunity for members of the club to showcase their table tennis prowess and also battle for points to determine the top 20 players in the club’s ranking system.

According to Akeem Lekan Alli-Balogun, the secretary of the table tennis section, there has been a record number of entries and the tournament had to be extended by two weeks.

“We began the competition on Wednesday. Members have been here playing. It is a tournament we all eagerly look forward to participating in.

“The prestige to be in the top 20 ranking and have your name on the board is a prime motivation for players,” said Alli Balogun.

The tournament is in different categories for men and women, which is determined according to playing prowess and age. There is the League one for top rated players, League two for moderate players, the veterans (55-65) and super veterans categories (65-80).

Speaking on the tournament which he has bankrolled for several years, Joseph Odobeatu, the chairman and managing director of the O’jez entertainment group, said it has always been an honour to have the O’jez Ladder table tennis tournament.

“This is one of the many ways we contribute towards sports development in the country and it has always been a pleasure to see members compete for honours every year.

“As a table tennis player myself I have represented and won trophies for the Ikeja Country club in many tournaments, so it is exciting seeing people compete and testing their skills and limits.”

The tournament will have its grand finale on 30 April.