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Tag: Canaan Table Tennis Club

  • Canaan Table Tennis Club Chairman, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Congratulates Hope Udoaka For Emerging New National Champion

    Canaan Table Tennis Club Chairman, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Congratulates Hope Udoaka For Emerging New National Champion

    The Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, has joyfully congratulated Hope Udoaka for emerging the new national female champion at the Fifth Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships held in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.

    Udoaka, in a thrilling encounter at the weekend, defeated table tennis veteran, Halima Hussain of Oyo State 4-1 (11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7) to be crowned the new female champion.

    Recognizing Udoaka as one of the Club’s fast rising stars, Duke lauded her zeal for hard work and excellence in the sport, which he attributed to the successes recorded in several competitions.

    He thanked the Governor of Cross River, Senator Prince Bassey Otu for the passionate support of table tennis in the state. He said that Canaan Table Tennis Club is at the forefront of grooming a new generation of table tennis stars, whose skills and talents hold the future of the sport in the state.

    He expressed the hope that Table Tennis would make Cross River proud by winning gold medals in the upcoming National Sports Festival that would take place this year in Ogun state.

  • NDDC Representative, Orok Duke, Equips Canaan Table Tennis Club for Niger Delta Games

    NDDC Representative, Orok Duke, Equips Canaan Table Tennis Club for Niger Delta Games

    The Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis and Cross River State Representative to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has bolstered the preparedness of the state’s table tennis contingent with the acquisition of top-tier equipment, kits, and accessories worth 2.5 million naira ahead of the highly anticipated Niger Delta Games in Uyo.

    In a statement made available to newsmen, Duke underscored his unwavering commitment to the advancement of table tennis, recalling the modest beginnings of Canaan Table Tennis and its meteoric rise to prominence. “When we embarked on this journey years ago, many dismissed our vision as inconsequential, but today, the narrative has been rewritten. Canaan Table Tennis has not only brought laurels to Cross River State but has also stamped its authority on the global stage,” he declared.

    He thanked governor Bassey Otu once again for the unwavering support for sports and table tennis specifically.

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    Reflecting on the club’s recent exploits, Duke emphasized the importance of strategic preparation in sustaining their winning streak. “Our last outing at the International table tennis federation (ITTF) African Club championship in Tunisia was a testament to our dedication and prowess. Such achievements do not materialize by happenstance; they are products of meticulous planning and rigorous training. As we approach the Niger Delta Games, we must reinforce our identity as champions and exhibit the hallmark of excellence that defines us,” he asserted.

    The Cross River contingent, known for its dominance in the sport, is not merely attending the games for participation but to reaffirm its supremacy. “We are not just heading to Uyo as spectators; we are going there to make a resounding statement. Victory is our tradition, and we shall once again etch our names in gold,” Duke affirmed.

    With the latest procurement of high-performance gear and accessories, Canaan Table Tennis is primed for yet another remarkable outing. Expectations are high as the team gears up to showcase its dexterity, resilience, and championship pedigree on the grand stage of the Niger Delta Games.

  • Bishop Eyoanwan Otu Commends Canaan Table Tennis Club for Historic Performance in Tunisia

    Bishop Eyoanwan Otu Commends Canaan Table Tennis Club for Historic Performance in Tunisia

    Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, the wife of the Governor of Cross River state, has commended the Canaan Table Tennis Club for their outstanding performance at the African Table Tennis Club Championship held in Tunisia. The club, representing the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), clinched a bronze medal, making Nigeria and Cross River State proud on the continental stage.

    The Canaan Queens, the female team of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, emerged as one of the top performers out of 54 participating countries in the tournament. Their remarkable performance has been celebrated as a historic achievement for Nigerian table tennis and a testament to the talent and dedication of the players.

    In a statement released to the Chairman on Tuesday, Bishop Otu praised the team for their hard work, resilience, and determination. Known for her passion for the empowerment of the girl child and her commitment to humanity, Bishop Otu highlighted the significance of the Canaan Queens’ success as an inspiration to young girls across Nigeria.

    “The Canaan Table Tennis Club has made us proud once again. Their performance in Tunisia is not just a victory for Cross River State but for the entire nation. As someone who is deeply passionate about the empowerment of the girl child, I am particularly inspired by the Canaan Queens, who have shown that with determination and hard work, girls can achieve greatness in any field,” Bishop Otu said.

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    She also commended the club’s management and coaches for their role in nurturing the talents of the players, adding that their success is a reflection of the state’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.

    Bishop Otu also acknowledged the support of her husband, Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, whose administration has consistently encouraged sports development in the state. She noted that the governor’s commitment to providing the necessary resources and motivation for athletes has played a significant role in the team’s success.

    “I must also appreciate my husband, His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his unwavering support for sports and youth development in Cross River State. His encouragement has greatly inspired the players, and this victory is a testament to his vision for a state where young people can thrive and excel,” she added.

    Rt. Hon. Orok Duke Chairman of the Canaan Table Tennis Club and Cross River State’s representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), had congratulated the team for their superlative performance. He described the victory as a proud moment for Nigeria and Cross River State, positioning the country as a force to reckon with in global sports.

    “This victory once again positions Nigeria as one of the best in the world, both in table tennis and in other sports. We are proud of the Canaan Queens and grateful for the support of the Cross River State government, which has been instrumental in this achievement,” Duke said.

  • Canaan Table Tennis Club Wins Bronze Medal For Nigeria At African Clubs Championship

    Canaan Table Tennis Club Wins Bronze Medal For Nigeria At African Clubs Championship

    …Orok Duke Congratulates Team for superlative performance, says victory is for entire country

    The African Table Tennis Club Championship tournament which took place in Tunisia, has come to a victorious close, with the Canaan Table Tennis Club, representing the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), carted away a Bronze medal, to the admiration of the sports world.

    The Canaan Queens, players of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, made Nigeria and indeed Cross River state proud, as they came top out of the 54 Countries in Africa in the competition.

    Expressing joy over a successful outing, the Chairman of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has congratulated the champions, saying that the victory, once again, positions Nigeria as one of the best in the world, both in Table Tennis and in other sports.

    Read Also: Canaan Queens Record Remarkable Win at Ongoing African Table Tennis Championship

    Orok Duke, Cross River state’s representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, also appreciate the Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu  for the support saying encouragements greatly inspired the players.

    The team is expected back in the country after the week-long sporting event in Tunisia.

  • Canaan Queens Record Remarkable Win at Ongoing African Table Tennis Championship

    Canaan Queens Record Remarkable Win at Ongoing African Table Tennis Championship

     

    Nigeria’s representative at the ongoing African Clubs Championship in Tunisia, Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, has continued its impressive run with a remarkable victory over the Challengers of Madagascar.

    This latest triumph follows their earlier win against Grappes d’Or de Grombelia of Tunisia, further solidifying their dominance in the tournament.

    Canaan Queens was selected by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to represent the country at the 2025 African Clubs Championship, taking place in Tunis from February 22 to 24, 2025.

    Read Also: Rt Hon Orok Duke Hails Canaan Table Tennis Club’s Victory Over Tunisia’s Grappes d’Or in African Clubs Championship

    Reacting to the team’s outstanding performance, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, commended the Canaan Queens for their impressive victories so far. He also appreciated the support of Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and expressed confidence that the team will continue to make both the state and the country proud.

    With their momentum building, the Canaan Queens now set their sights on their next challenge as they prepare to face Petrojet of Egypt later today.

  • Rt Hon Orok Duke Hails Canaan Table Tennis Club’s Victory Over Tunisia’s Grappes d’Or in African Clubs Championship

    Rt Hon Orok Duke Hails Canaan Table Tennis Club’s Victory Over Tunisia’s Grappes d’Or in African Clubs Championship

    The Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar has made a remarkable debut at the ongoing 2025 African Clubs Championship in Tunis, securing a commanding victory over Tunisia’s Grappes d’Or de Grombelia. The impressive win places the Nigerian team at the top of their group stage standing.

    The Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke has congratulated the team for their exceptional performance, commending their resilience and skill on the international stage. He expressed confidence in their ability to advance further in the tournament and make Nigeria proud.

    Encouraging the players to maintain their energy and determination, Duke urged them to approach their next match tomorrow morning, the 23rd of February 2025, against Madagascar Women’s Table Tennis Club with the same verve and gusto.

    Read Also: Table Tennis: Canaan Queens arrive Tunisia for 2025 African clubs championship

    He also called on all Nigerians to support the team by following the provided link to watch the live matches from Tunisia https://www.youtube.com/live/bWNYoWM1_k8?si=wKbysBtXEhIV903L.

    Canaan Table Tennis Club was selected by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to represent the country at this prestigious championship, a testament to the team’s outstanding talent and dedication to the sport.

    With this strong start, all eyes are now on the Nigerian representatives as they strive to sustain their momentum and compete for the championship title.

  • Table Tennis: Canaan Queens arrive Tunisia for 2025 African clubs championship

    Table Tennis: Canaan Queens arrive Tunisia for 2025 African clubs championship

    Canaan Queens, players of the Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, have arrived Tunisia through Casablanca, Morocco, for the 2025 finals of the African Clubs Championship taking place in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.

    Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar was selected by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to represent Nigeria in the 2025 African Clubs Championship holding in Tunis from 22 to 24, February 2025.

    The players who arrived Tunis on Friday 21 February, will be having their first match today 22nd in group 2. Canaan Table Tennis Club vs Grappes d’Or de Grombelia of Tunisia will begin by 4:30pm Nigerian time.

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    Meanwhile, Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has expressed profound gratitude to Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu for the immense support given to the team to facilitate their travel and other logistics. He assured the governor that Canaan Queens will put in their best to make Cross River and Nigeria proud.

    He also thanked the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku for facilitating the procurement of Visas for the CRS/Niger-Delta/Nigerian Table Tennis Team.

    Recall that the team represented Nigeria at the 2024 African Clubs Table Tennis Championship in Libya and finished as first runners-up.

    Below is the fixture for the championship:

  • Retired Table Tennis legend, Offiong Edem, Takes on Coaching Position at US Academy

    Retired Table Tennis legend, Offiong Edem, Takes on Coaching Position at US Academy

    Retired Nigerian table tennis legend Edem Offiong has joined the Texas-based Lonestar Table Tennis Academy in the United States as a coach.

    The five-time Olympian, who announced her retirement after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has been described as a valuable addition to the academy located in Austin, Texas.

    In a statement, the academy expressed their excitement: “We are thrilled to announce that five-time Olympian Edem Offiong is joining Lonestar Table Tennis Academy as a full-time practice partner.”

    They welcomed the Nigerian star, noting that her two decades of experience will be invaluable to the academy.

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    Edem shared her thoughts on social media, revealing her decision to move to the US after retirement to begin a new chapter as a coach.

    “Austin, Texas is where I find my peace. I decided to move to the USA after my retirement to coach young enthusiasts. Coaching has been so rewarding, I must say, and soon we will be known and heard for our good deeds.

    “Thank you to Lonestar Table Tennis Academy for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to grow these young stars. It’s all about passion, and I’m grateful,” she said.

    The former African champion represented Nigeria in five Olympic Games, several African Games and Championships, World Championships, and Commonwealth Championships before retiring in 2024.

    It is important to note that Offiong Edem is one of Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar’s greatest exports. The club was founded by one of Nigeria’s seasoned sports administrators and table tennis icons, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke. He chairs and funds the club until date.

  • NTTF nominates Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar to represent Nigeria at 2025 African Club Championship

    NTTF nominates Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar to represent Nigeria at 2025 African Club Championship

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has nominated Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar to represent Nigeria at the 2025 African Club Table Tennis Championship due to take place in Tunis, Tunisia, from 22nd to 24th, February, 2025.

    The selection of Canaan Table Tennis Club for the tournament was conveyed in a letter dated 16th January, 2025 and signed by NTTF Secretary General, Oladayo Abulude. The letter which was addressed to the Club’s Chairman, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, was sighted by our correspondent in Calabar on Saturday.

    “I am directed to convey the federation’s approval for your club to represent the country in the above championship. Kindly signify your intention to register your club for the championship as soon as possible,” the letter reads in part.

    Read Also: You made Nigeria proud, Sports Minister tells Canaan Queens, 2024 African Club Table Tennis Championship Runners up

    Recall that Canaan Queens who represented Nigeria at the 2024 African Club Table Tennis Championship in Libya, finished as runners-up.

  • ELICRIS Cup 2024: Canaan Table Tennis Club Star, Hope Udoaka bags MVP award

    ELICRIS Cup 2024: Canaan Table Tennis Club Star, Hope Udoaka bags MVP award

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar star, Hope Udoaka, has bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the female category in the 10th edition of the ELICRIS National Table Tennis Top 32 Invitational Championship organized by the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and BAA Foundation.

    The award came after she defeated Sukurat Aiyelebegan 4-2 in the finals to emerge National Women’s Champion at the tourney held between 23rd and 24th December 2024 at the Chief Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    Udoaka attributed the success to the unwavering support and commitment of the Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke towards grooming players in Cross River and pushing them up to compete in national and international competitions.

    “All thanks to God and Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club for making it possible for me to attend this invitational championship. All thanks to him for his support so far in bringing up players from Cross River State. It’s a thing of joy to announce that I once again defended the title,” she said.

    Reacting to the award, Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt Hon Orok Duke, congratulated Udoaka and commended her for displaying uncommon athleticism throughout the competition.

    He said Udoaka’s triumph not only showcased her skill and determination but also represents a significant achievement for Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar.