Canaan Table Tennis Club shines at Niger Delta Sports Festival, Boost C'River Standing on the Medals Table

 

Canaan Table Tennis Club contingent at the 
Recently held Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo

Ukorebi Esien | 6th April 2025

CALABAR — Cross River and Bayelsa states emerged as joint champions at the recent regional table tennis championship, with both powerhouses securing two gold medals each in a thrilling display of skills and competition.  

Cross River maintained its traditional dominance in women's events, claiming Gold in Women's Doubles while Bayelsa secured the Silver medel, Delta went for the Bronze. In the same feat, Cross River State secured Gold in Women's Singles with Abia and Ondo clinching Silver and  Bronze respectively. 

In the men's category, Bayelsa countered with equal prowess clinging two Golds in 

Men's Doubles and Single. Cross River went for Silver in the Men's Double with Edo securing  Bronze. In the Men's Single, Ondo clinched Gold and Akwa Ibom secured Bronze 

The tournament  coincided with  the 35 years Anniversary celebration of the club.

In his remarks the chairman of the club and Cross River State representative in the  NDDC board, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke PhD, took the opportunity to celebrate the Canaan Table Tennis Team's unprecedented achievement of winning gold medals for the state for 35 consecutive years - the only team to maintain such consistent excellence.  

"This golden generation of Canaan players have written their names in history," Duke stated. "For 35 years, through three generations of athletes, they've brought nothing but gold to Cross River. This is no accident - it's the result of dedication, proper training, and Institutional support."  

He pledged his continued backing for the program: "I charge our champions to keep making us proud. The NDDC and Cross River state will continue to invest in these athletes who have become our golden ambassadors."  

C’River Canaan Queens to Represent Nigeria at 2025 African Club Table Tennis Championships in Tunisia

CALABAR - Canaan Queens, the women's team of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Calabar, have been approved by the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to represent Nigeria at the 2025 African Club Table Tennis Championships. The tournament will take place from February 22 to 24, 2025, in Tunis, Tunisia.

This approval follows Canaan Queens' remarkable performance at the 2024 African Club Table Tennis Championships held in Benghazi, Libya, where they emerged as runners-up. The team showcased their skills by defeating top clubs like Benghazi Al-Jadida Table Tennis Club of Libya and Commercial Bank Club of Ethiopia, before falling to Petrojet Table Tennis Club of Egypt in the finals. Their achievements in Libya underscored their status as one of Africa's leading table tennis teams.

In a statement issued by NTTF Secretary-General Oladayo Abulude, the federation confirmed that Canaan Queens would bear responsibility for their travel visas, flight tickets, and accommodation for the tournament. The club has also been advised to complete their registration promptly to avoid penalties for non-appearance, as stipulated by the championship organizers.

The 2025 tournament, organized by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa and hosted by the Tunisian Table Tennis Federation, will feature top teams from across the continent. The competition will take place at the Palais des Sports El Menzah, with both men's and women's team events structured in group and knockout formats.

Speaking on the team's preparation, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, expressed confidence in the team's ability to excel in Tunisia. "We are proud to represent Nigeria again on the continental stage. Our focus is on improving our performance and making the nation proud," he said.

The Canaan Queens' participation in the Tunis championship further cements their growing reputation as a force to be reckoned with in African table tennis. Their remarkable journey has drawn praise from sports enthusiasts and officials alike, including Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who has consistently lauded the club's efforts in promoting sports excellence.

As the 2025 African Club Table Tennis Championships draw closer, the Canaan Queens are poised to leverage their past successes to elevate Nigeria's standing in international table tennis. Fans and stakeholders eagerly anticipate another outstanding performance from the team.

'You Made Nigeria Proud', Enoh Congratulates Canaan Queens for Outstanding Performance at ATTCC

Ukorebi Esien | 7th July 2024

Minister for Sports, Owan Enoh, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Canaan Queens of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, Calabar, for their impressive performance at the just concluded African Table Tennis Club Championship, ATTCC in Benghazi, Libya. 

Enoh who as at the time of the tournament was attending a sports meet in Cameroon, took the time to recognize the team's achievements and convey his pride in their representation of Nigeria on the international stage, said the Queens made the nation proud. 

In a phone call made through the club's chairman, Chief Orok Duke, Minister Enoh praised the Canaan Queens for their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship, which led them to secure second place in the prestigious tournament. He emphasized that their effort and commitment have made Nigeria proud, adding that their crucial role in elevating the country's status in the sport of table tennis is priceless. 

The Minister of Sports expressed his admiration for the leadership of Chief Orok Duke and the entire Canaan Table Tennis Club, acknowledging their significant contribution to the development of table tennis in Nigeria, particularly in the women's category, while assuring the Canaan Queens of continued backing from the Ministry of Sports, encouraging them to build on their success and strive for even greater heights in future competitions.

The Canaan Queens, who were lost 0-3 to Petrojet Table Tennis Club of Egypt in the final match, have garnered widespread acclaim for their journey to the finals. Their path to the runner-up position included a decisive 3-0 victory against the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Table Tennis Club in the semi-finals, showcasing their prowess and competitive spirit.

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The Canaan Queens' remarkable performance in Benghazi has not only brought glory to Nigeria but also highlighted the potential and determination of Nigerian athletes. As they return home, they carry with them the pride and admiration of the nation, ready to inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts and champions.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu Commends Canaan Queens for Securing Second Place at African Table Tennis Club Championship

Governor Bassey Edet Otu 

Ukorebi Esien

The Canaan Queens of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, Calabar, have emerged as the runners-up in the ongoing African Table Tennis Club Championship in Benghazi, Libya. The team, representing Nigeria, put up a valiant effort but were defeated 0-3 by Petrojet Table Tennis Club of Egypt in the final match held earlier today.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State extended his heartfelt commendations to the Canaan Queens through a visual call, applauding their outstanding performance and resilience throughout the tournament. He expressed pride in their achievements, commending how their journey to the finals has brought immense pride to both the state and the nation.

The Canaan Table Tennis Club, founded by seasoned sports administrator Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has been a pillar of support for Nigeria's Table Tennis Federation, especially in the women's category. Their consistent representation of Nigeria in major international competitions underscores their commitment to excellence and development of the sport.

Despite the loss in the final, the Canaan Queens' path to securing the second place was marked by impressive victories, including a decisive 3-0 win against the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Table Tennis Club in the semi-finals. Their performance has not only highlighted their individual talents but also demonstrated the strength and potential of Nigerian table tennis on the continental stage.

Governor Otu praised the team's dedication and the leadership of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, emphasizing how their efforts have significantly contributed to the growth and recognition of table tennis in Nigeria. He assured continued support for the club and urged them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence.

The Canaan Queens' remarkable achievement in Benghazi stands as a testament to their hard work, strategic prowess, and the unyielding spirit of Nigerian athletes. As they return home with their well-deserved silver medals, they carry the hopes and pride of a grateful nation, ready to build on this success in future competitions.

Canaan Queens Secure Spot in Finals at African Table Tennis Club Championship

Ukorebi Esien 

Canaan Queens of the Canaan Table Tennis Club in Calabar have qualified for the final round of the ongoing African Table Tennis Club Championship in Benghazi, Libya. The Nigerian representatives advanced to the finals after a decisive 3-0 victory against the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Table Tennis Club in the women's semi-finals on June 26, 2024.

Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, founded by Cross River's seasoned sports administrator and veteran, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has consistently demonstrated excellence and a high competitive spirit. Throughout the championship, they have maintained an unbeaten record, showcasing their dominance and skill in the sport.

The club will face a formidable opponent, Petrojet Table Tennis Club of Egypt, in the final on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM Nigerian time. This highly anticipated match will be held in the city of Benghazi, Libya.

Canaan Table Tennis Club has been a strong support base for Nigeria's Table Tennis Federation, particularly in the women's category. Over the years, the club has been instrumental in nurturing talent and providing a platform for female athletes to compete at the highest levels. Their dedication and commitment have seen them represent Nigeria in numerous major international competitions, earning accolades and bringing recognition to the country.

The achievements of Canaan Table Tennis Club go beyond this tournament. They have a legacy of developing world-class players who have competed and excelled in various continental and global championships. Their success is a testament to the hard work and vision of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, whose leadership has been pivotal in elevating the status of table tennis in Nigeria.

As the Canaan Queens prepare for their final match, they carry the hopes and pride of their nation. Their journey in the African Table Tennis Club Championship not only highlights their individual prowess but also underscores the strength and potential of Nigerian table tennis on the international stage.

Offiong Edem Leads Canaan Queens to Represent Nigeria at African Club Table Tennis Championship

Offiong Edem 

Offiong Edem  Wil be leading the charge for the Canaan Queens, a renowned table tennis club from Calabar, as they proudly represent Nigeria at the 2024 African Club Table Tennis Championship. Taking place in Benghazi, Libya, this prestigious tournament not only highlights top African talent but also serves as a key qualifier for the World Club Championship.

The Canaan Queens, under the leadership of Chief Orok Duke, the chairman of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, arrived in Benghazi on Monday. They are set to face the Libyan team in a high-stakes quarterfinal match scheduled for 5 PM Nigerian time. The Nigerian table tennis community is rallying behind the Canaan Queens, hoping for a stellar performance.

In an official correspondence addressed to the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Ishaku Tikon, the Canaan Table Tennis Club confirmed their acceptance and readiness to represent Nigeria. The letter, signed by Chief Orok Duke, expressed the club's enthusiasm and preparedness for the competition.

The communication read in part:

"Dear President Ishaku Tikon (NTTF),

"With reference to your letter conveying your approval for the nomination of Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar to represent Nigeria in the 2024 African Clubs Table Tennis Championship in Libya from 25th – 27th June 2024 in the Female Category (vide letter; NTTF/02/PD/VOL.11/06, dated 4th June 2024), we write to inform you of our acceptance and readiness to represent Nigeria in the above-named Competition (in the Female Category)."

The team roster includes notable players such as Offiong Edem, Fatima Bello, Cecilia Offiong, Idongesit Udoka, and Vivian Oku. The delegation is also composed of officials: Orok Otu Duke (Chairman), Effiowan Ntiero (Secretary), Anthony Essien (Admin), and Richard Edem (Coach).

Offiong Edem and Cecilia Offiong are well-known figures in Nigerian table tennis. Offiong Edem, a seasoned player, has represented Nigeria in multiple international tournaments, including the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. Her agility, precision, and strategic gameplay have earned her several medals and a prominent place in the sport. Cecilia Offiong, equally accomplished, has a rich history of victories in continental championships and has been a pivotal player in Nigeria's successes on the African table tennis scene. Her experience and leadership are invaluable assets to the Canaan Queens.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on the Canaan Queens, led by these two stalwarts, as they strive to secure their place in the World Club Championship.