It was more than a game of table tennis. It was diplomacy on a table, friendship in every rally, and history in every handshake.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, stole the spotlight at the 8th Edition of the Nigeria-China Table Tennis Friendship Tournament 2026, held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the China Cultural Centre, Abuja with journalist Ignatius Nkwoh of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) emerging as the star of the day.
Nkwoh defeated China’s Xu Haitao in a thrilling final to clinch the Gold Medal in the Men’s Singles, while fellow NUJ representative Eke Nwokeocha secured third place, giving Nigerian journalists two spots on the podium.
NUJ’s Podium Finish
The tournament featured Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles, with both countries sharing honours:
Men’s Singles:
1st – Ignatius Nkwoh (NUJ/NTA) – Gold
2nd – Xu Haitao (China)
3rd – Eke Nwokeocha (NUJ/ NTA)
Men’s Doubles:
1st – Xu Haitao & Shi Changqiang (China)
2nd – Eke Nwokeocha & Ignatius Nkwoh (NUJ)
3rd – He Chaodong & Li Shuidi (China)
Women’s Singles:
1st – Nie Xiaohua (China)
2nd – Zhang Yaping (China)
3rd – Wu Tianxia (China)
Mixed Doubles:
1st – Shi Changqiang & Zhang Yaping (China)
2nd – Xu Haitao & Wu Tianxia (China)
3rd – Musa Odion & Chioma A. Love (NUJ) – Bronze
For the NUJ FCT Council, it was a statement of excellence, sportsmanship and international friendship.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, described the tournament as a unique platform that brings journalists together beyond the demands of the newsroom, promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and professional solidarity.
She commended the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria for sustaining the partnership through eight editions, noting that the initiative had continued to strengthen people-to-people engagement and cultural understanding between Nigeria and China.
According to her “We played to win, but we must also remember that at the end of every match, we remain one, united colleagues and members of one professional family,” Ike said.
“Although the attractive prizes add excitement, the greatest achievement remains the friendship, unity and partnership this tournament continues to build.”she said
She congratulated all winners and participants, urging journalists to uphold mutual respect, compassion and unity, and expressed optimism for an even stronger partnership in 2027.
Earlier, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, described table tennis as more than a sporting activity, but an important bridge for strengthening friendship and understanding between the peoples of China and Nigeria.
“Every exchange and handshake on the table tennis court reflected the spirit of mutual respect, teamwork and fair play,” Yang said.
“Sporting exchanges transcend language and cultural differences.”
He commended the NUJ and the wider Nigerian media community for their objective coverage of China-Nigeria relations in trade, investment, culture, education, science and technology, and acknowledged the contributions of the Nigeria-China Chamber of Commerce and Chinese enterprises in Nigeria to economic cooperation.
Yang noted that 2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, describing it as a significant period for stronger bilateral cooperation.
He also highlighted China’s commitment to deepening engagement with Africa, including the zero-tariff treatment granted from May 1, 2026, to imports from 53 African countries with which China maintains diplomatic relations.
Nkwoh Dedicates Trophy To NUJ
In his appreciation remarks, Ignatius Nkwoh thanked God, the NUJ FCT Council leadership and the organisers for the opportunity to compete.
He dedicated his trophy to the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, and members of the Council’s Executive, appreciating their encouragement and commitment to promoting sporting activities among journalists.
The 8th edition once again demonstrated the power of sports as a tool for diplomacy, cultural understanding and international cooperation — reinforcing the enduring friendship between Nigeria and China.
The NUJ FCT Council expressed appreciation to all sponsors, partners, participants and organisers for making the edition successful, and looked forward to an even more impactful 9th edition in 2027.
