NTTF Mourns Former National Coach Babatunde Obisanya At 77
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has mourned the death of former national coach Babatunde Obisanya, who passed away on Tuesday, October 6, at the age of 77.
Obisanya, a former Nigerian international who later served as national coach, died after a prolonged illness at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
NTTF President Adesoji Tayo described the late coach as one of the longest-serving figures in Nigerian table tennis whose contribution to the sport extended beyond his playing and coaching career.
‘It is sad to hear of the passing of one of Nigeria’s longest-serving players and coaches, Babatunde Obisanya, whose immense contribution to the sport cannot be overstated,’ Tayo said.
‘Despite retiring in 2010, Coach Obisanya continued to offer valuable advice to the federation. He was always present at national competitions, lending his support and sharing his vast experience.
‘He loved table tennis passionately and never hesitated to voice his concerns whenever he felt something was wrong. 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.’
Obisanya made history in 1968 when he became the first men’s singles champion of the now-defunct Asoju Oba Cup.
His exploits earned him further recognition in 1976 when he was named Nigeria’s Sportsman of the Year alongside legendary athletics star Modupe Osikoya.
As a player, Obisanya represented Nigeria at the African Games, African Championships and World Championships and was one of the country’s leading international competitors during the 1970s.
He was also part of the era of ‘Ping Pong Diplomacy’ in 1975, partnering Lateef Sunmola to reach major tournament finals and becoming the only non-Asian pair to achieve such a feat at that level.
After his playing career, Obisanya took up coaching and served as head coach of Nigeria’s national table tennis team from 1976 to 2010.
During his 34-year tenure, he mentored and evaluated some of Africa’s finest players, including Nigerian table tennis legend Segun Toriola.
Even after retiring as national coach, Obisanya remained involved in the sport and continued to advise the federation and attend national competitions.
He also served as chairman and a key driving force behind the Adegboyega Efunkoya National U-15 Table Tennis Championship, where he championed the integration of education and youth sports development.
