Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, the South-South zonal representative on the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation board, has pointed to inadequate facilities as a key factor hindering the growth of table tennis in the region.
During a live discussion with “Sport Tribe Podcast” at the newly built Fortress at Oxbow-Lake in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, Mr. Ebikpolade explained that upon taking office as chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, he and his vice chairman, Mr. Ranani Igrubia, identified critical areas for improvement and recognized that the lack of facilities was a significant challenge facing the sport in the state.
He mentioned that only Lagos and Cross River have proper table tennis facilities in Nigeria, noting that the game was previously played on unapproved floors, a situation that has since improved.
Mr. Ebikpolade expressed his ambition to create a top-notch facility for table tennis, which evolved from his original idea of building a mechanic shop, driven by his passion for the sport. He has no regrets about investing significantly in the youth.
He further explained that before his appointment, many coaches in the association lacked their National Institute of Sports (NIS) certificates, which are necessary for coaching under the NTTF. The latest coach to receive NIS training was Azibalua Abadi from Ogbia LGA. He stressed that the association prioritizes excellence over mediocrity and has also trained umpires to ensure they understand the rules.
In addition to striving for victory, Mr. Ebikpolade is dedicated to ensuring that all athletes balance their sports commitments with education, with many currently enrolled in one of the country’s leading private universities.
He noted that since he took over, Bayelsa has closed the gap with other states, particularly Lagos, and has become a significant contender in Nigerian table tennis.
He praised the support from the commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Igali, and the Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi, while stating that his current focus is on ensuring the athletes perform well at the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Former Bayelsa State table tennis star Ateh Maiduguri remarked that the new generation of players is fortunate to have Mr. Stow as chairman, calling them privileged. He recalled how their team nearly ceased competing outside the state due to poor performances but expressed his happiness at the sport’s progress under Mr. Stow’s leadership.
Maiduguri urged multinational oil companies, financial institutions, and well-meaning Bayelsans to engage in sports development, highlighting that government efforts alone are insufficient.
