Tribute to Nigerian Table Tennis Star Babatunde Obisanya

The African Table Tennis Federation, ITTF Africa, has honored Nigerian table tennis great Babatunde Obisanya. They called him one of the most important people in the sport on the continent.

Obisanya, a former player, coach, and administrator, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, after a long illness. He died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital at the age of 77.

In a statement signed by its President, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, the federation’s Executive Committee shared their deep sadness. They noted that his influence reached beyond Nigeria through his work as an ITTF instructor and mentor during his time as the national coach.

"Obisanya was a great player and coach whose contribution to the growth of table tennis in Nigeria and Africa cannot be overlooked. He helped many world-class players, including legends like Segun Toriola and Monday Merotohun. His strong presence as a coach earned him respect from players and officials alike.

"He was firm in his beliefs and always stood his ground when it mattered. He will be greatly missed by the table tennis family across Africa. We send our condolences to his family and pray for the peaceful rest of his soul," Oshodi said.

Obisanya made history in 1968. He became the first men’s singles champion of the now-defunct Asoju Oba Cup. This competition was sponsored by the late Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas and started in Lagos, featuring 20 men and 12 women in its first edition. In 1976, he won the Nigeria Sportsman of the Year award alongside athletics star Modupe Osikoya.

He represented Nigeria at the African Games, African Championships, and World Championships. He was one of Nigeria’s top international players in the 1970s. During the “Ping Pong Diplomacy” era in 1975, he and Lateef Sunmola reached the finals of a major tournament. They were the only non-Asian pair to do so at that time.

Obisanya was the head coach of the national team from 1976 to 2010. He mentored many of Africa’s best players, including Toriola. After stepping down, he stayed active in administration. He chaired the Adegboyega Efunkoya National U-15 Table Tennis Championship, where he advocated for combining education with youth sports development.

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation also mourned him. President Adesoji Tayo said, "It is sad to hear of the passing of one of Nigeria’s longest-serving players and coaches, Babatunde Obisanya. His huge contribution to the sport cannot be overstated."

Tayo added that Obisanya continued to give advice to the federation after retiring in 2010. He was always present at national competitions.

"He was also a father figure to many players, and he will be greatly missed by the entire table tennis family in Nigeria and Africa," he said.

Obisanya was known for openly criticizing what he viewed as the neglect of table tennis and other sports in favor of football.