Taofik Maya Remembers 1996 Triumph as Molade Okoya-Thomas Cup Enters New Era
At 63, Taofik Maya looks back on his historic victory at the 1996 Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Championships with pride, calling it the pinnacle of his career. His win against Sawo Aiyemojuba in the Men’s Singles final cemented his legacy in the sport and remains a defining moment for the former champion, now a head coach for Oyo State.
This year, the tournament has reached a new milestone, elevated to a national event by the family of the late Molade Okoya-Thomas. As Africa’s longest-running table tennis competition enters its 56th edition, it continues to celebrate the sport’s legacy while fostering the next generation of talent.
A Legacy of Excellence
For Maya, the Molade Okoya-Thomas Championships have always been more than just a tournament. “Back then, it felt like the Olympic Games of table tennis,” he reminisced. “Legends like Atanda Musa, the late Yomi Bankole, and Wole Orukotan made this competition iconic.”
Maya’s journey with the championship began in the 1980s as a cadet player. After competing, he earned a spot on the Lagos State team for the 1981 National Sports Festival, where he emerged victorious. He continued to compete in subsequent editions, often facing dominant players like Musa and Bankole.
His breakthrough came in 1996 when he defeated Bankole in the semifinals and triumphed over Aiyemojuba in the final, claiming his first senior title. Reflecting on the tournament’s growth, Maya said, “Making it a national event is a welcome development. It will elevate the competition and provide opportunities for the best players across Nigeria to showcase their skills.”
Taofik Maya
Stars of the 56th Edition
The 56th Molade Okoya-Thomas Championships, now a national event, features top-seeded players like Matthew Muti and Sukurat Aiyelabegan in the Men’s and Women’s Singles categories.
Muti, the reigning national men’s champion, leads a competitive field that includes River State’s Jamiu Ayanwale, Kwara’s Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, Edo’s Amadi Omeh, and defending champion Muiz Adegoke from Lagos.
In the Women’s Singles, Aiyelabegan steps up as the No. 1 seed in the absence of national champion Hope Udoaka. She faces tough competition from Lagos’s Kabirat Ayoola, NSCDC’s Aminat Fashola, and 9-time champion Bose Odusanya.
Inclusive and Inspiring
The tournament also highlights inclusivity, with deaf and para events adding to its appeal. Paris 2024 Paralympics medalist Isau Ogunkunle has dominated the preliminary rounds, keeping his title hopes alive.
As the competition heats up, the Molade Okoya-Thomas Cup continues to honor its rich history while inspiring new talent to reach for greatness.
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