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Nkwoh Beats Chinese Opponent as NUJ FCT Wins Table Tennis Gold
Nkwoh Beats Chinese Opponent as NUJ FCT Wins Table Tennis Gold
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has emerged victorious at the 8th Nigeria-China Table Tennis Friendship Tournament 2026, with its representative, Ignatius Nkwoh, winning the men’s singles gold medal.
Nkwoh, a journalist with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), defeated China’s Xu Haitao in the men’s singles final held on Sunday, November 8, at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Another NUJ representative, Eke Nwokeocha, also secured third place in the men’s singles event, giving Nigeria two podium finishes in the category.
The NUJ duo of Nkwoh and Nwokeocha further demonstrated their competitiveness in the men’s doubles, finishing second behind China’s Xu Haitao and Shi Changqiang. He Chaodong and Li Shuidi, also from China, took third place.
China dominated the women’s singles, with Nie Xiaohua winning gold, Zhang Yaping taking silver and Wu Tianxia claiming bronze.
In the mixed doubles, China’s Shi Changqiang and Zhang Yaping emerged champions, while Xu Haitao and Wu Tianxia finished second. Nigeria’s Musa Odion and Chioma A. Love secured third position.
The annual tournament featured Nigerian and Chinese participants competing in four categories: men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles and mixed doubles.
Speaking at the event, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, described the competition as an avenue for promoting friendship, unity and professional camaraderie among journalists, while encouraging physical fitness, discipline and teamwork.
Every second brings Nigerians closer to exercising their democratic right and shaping the future of our nation.
Exercise your democratic right responsibly, peacefully and lawfully.
She commended the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria for sustaining the partnership with the NUJ FCT Council over the past eight editions, noting that the value of the tournament extended beyond trophies and medals to the relationships and cultural understanding it fosters.
Ike urged participants to uphold mutual respect and solidarity, stressing that journalists remained members of one professional family regardless of the outcome of competitions. She congratulated the winners and expressed optimism for a stronger partnership in 2027.
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Earlier, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Yang Jianxing, described table tennis as an effective instrument of friendship and mutual understanding between Nigeria and China.
He said the sporting exchanges symbolised respect, teamwork and fair play, noting that sports could overcome language and cultural barriers.
Yang also acknowledged the contributions of the NUJ and the Nigerian media to strengthening bilateral relations through coverage of trade, investment, culture, education, science and technology.
He commended the Nigeria-China Chamber of Commerce and Chinese businesses operating in Nigeria for their roles in advancing economic cooperation between both countries.
The Chinese diplomat noted that 2026 marked the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, describing the milestones as opportunities to deepen cooperation.
In his remarks, Nkwoh expressed gratitude to God, the NUJ FCT leadership and the tournament organisers for the opportunity to participate and emerge champion.
He dedicated his trophy to the NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, and members of the Council’s Executive for their encouragement and support for sporting activities among journalists.
The tournament, now in its eighth edition, continues to provide a platform for strengthening Nigeria-China relations through sports, cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement.
The NUJ FCT Council thanked the sponsors, partners, participants and organisers for the successful event and expressed anticipation for the ninth edition in 2027.
By Sophina Ovuike, Abuja
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