Favour Ojo, a 16-year-old Nigerian table tennis player, began playing the sport on a makeshift wooden plank in her family compound. Her mother, upon hearing her desire to play properly, took her to the stadium in 2021. With the guidance of her coach, Omoniyi Adedotun, Favour has progressed rapidly in the sport. She is now set to represent Nigeria at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event to be hosted on African soil.
Favour's coach, Omoniyi Adedotun, noticed her talent, determination, and competitive spirit in 2022. He began training her in Akure and has been instrumental in her development as a player. Adedotun's belief in Favour's potential was crucial in helping her overcome her doubts and continue pursuing her passion for table tennis. Favour credits her mother and coach for their unwavering support, saying "My mom is my greatest supporter... and after getting to the stadium, my coach did so much for me."
Favour's journey to the Olympic Games has not been without its challenges. She faced a series of losses in tournaments, which left her discouraged and questioning her abilities. However, with Adedotun's encouragement, she persevered and eventually won a tournament in Lagos. This victory marked a turning point for Favour, and she has since continued to excel in the sport.
Favour has achieved significant success in her short career, including winning gold with Nigeria's mixed team at the 4th Africa Youth Games in Angola. In October 2025, she played for Nigeria's senior women's team at the ITTF African Championships in Tunis, helping the team reach the semi-finals. Favour reflects on this experience, saying "It was a huge achievement for me, competing in the senior category while still a junior."
Balancing her academic and athletic pursuits has been a significant challenge for Favour. She has had to make sacrifices, including missing school exams to participate in competitions. Favour acknowledges that "the biggest sacrifice so far... has been leaving exams for sports." Despite these challenges, she remains committed to her goals and is determined to succeed in both her academic and athletic endeavors.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games hold special significance for Favour, as it is being hosted on her continent. She is excited to represent Nigeria and sees this opportunity as a stepping stone to achieving her ultimate goal of competing in the senior Olympic Games. Favour's ambitions extend beyond Senegal, as she hopes to train in France or China alongside high-level players to gain more exposure and improve her game.
Favour's coach, Omoniyi Adedotun, shares her aspirations for the future. He believes that with continued guidance and support, Favour can achieve great success in the sport. Adedotun says, "As a coach, there is no greater satisfaction than discovering a young talent, helping to develop that talent, and seeing the athlete go on to represent her country successfully." Favour's journey to the Olympic Games is an inspiring testament to the power of dedication and perseverance.
Key points
- Favour Ojo to represent Nigeria at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
- Favour began playing table tennis on a makeshift wooden plank in her family compound
- Favour aims to train in France or China to gain more exposure and improve her game
