Editor
The Executive Committee of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Nigerian table tennis legend, coach and administrator, Babatunde Obisanya, who died on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, at the age of 77.
Obisanya, who represented Nigeria with distinction as a player before embarking on a successful coaching career, passed away after a prolonged illness at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
In a statement signed by ITTF Africa President, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, the continental body described Obisanya as one of the most influential figures in African table tennis, noting that his contributions extended beyond Nigeria through his work as an ITTF instructor and mentor during his years as 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 groomed several world-class players, including legends such as Segun Toriola and Monday Merotohun. His commanding presence as a coach earned him the respect of players and officials alike.
“He was firm in his convictions and always stood his ground when it mattered most. He will be greatly missed by the table tennis family across Africa. We commiserate with his family on this loss and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Oshodi said.
Obisanya etched his name into Nigerian sporting history in 1968 when he became the first men’s singles champion of the now-defunct Asoju Oba Cup. Eight years later, in 1976, he was named Nigeria’s Sportsman of the Year alongside legendary athletics star Modupe Osikoya, following a series of outstanding performances that established him among the country’s greatest table tennis players.
During his illustrious playing career, Obisanya represented Nigeria at several major international competitions, including the African Games, African Championships and World Championships. Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Nigerian table tennis on the global stage, he was among the country’s most accomplished international competitors during the 1970s.
One of the defining moments of his career came during the era of “Ping Pong Diplomacy” in 1975, when he partnered Lateef Sunmola to reach major international tournament finals, becoming the only non-Asian pair at the time to achieve the feat.
Following his playing career, Obisanya served as head coach of the Nigerian national table tennis team from 1976 to 2010. During his more than three decades in charge, he mentored and guided some of Africa’s finest players, including Nigerian icon Segun Toriola, while helping to identify and develop talents across the continent.
Even after stepping down as national coach, Obisanya remained actively involved in sports administration and grassroots development. He served as chairman and a driving force behind the Adegboyega Efunkoya National U-15 Table Tennis Championship, where he consistently championed the integration of education and youth sports development.
His remarkable legacy as a player, coach, mentor, instructor and administrator will remain an enduring part of Nigerian and African table tennis history.
The passing of Obisanya marks the loss of one of African table tennis’ most respected figures, whose dedication, leadership and passion helped shape generations of players and contributed significantly to the growth of the sport in Nigeria and across the continent.
