The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former national coach Babatunde Obisanya, who passed away on Tuesday, October 6, at the age of 77.

Obisanya, who represented Nigeria as a player before taking up a coaching role with the national team, died after a prolonged illness at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

In a statement, NTTF President Adesoji Tayo described the late Obisanya as a towering figure whose contributions played a significant role in the development of table tennis in Nigeria and across Africa.

“It is sad to hear of the passing of one of Nigeria's longest-serving players and coaches, Babatunde Obisanya, whose immense contribution to the sport cannot be overstated,” Tayo said.

“Despite retiring in 2010, Coach Obisanya continued to offer valuable advice to the federation. He was always present at national competitions, lending his support and sharing his vast experience. He loved table tennis passionately and never hesitated to voice his concerns whenever he felt something was wrong.

“He was also a father figure to many players, and he will be greatly missed by the entire table tennis family in Nigeria and Africa.”

Obisanya etched his name into Nigerian table tennis history in 1968 when he became the first men's singles champion of the now-defunct Asoju Oba Cup.

Eight years later, in 1976, he was named Nigeria's Sportsman of the Year alongside legendary athletics star Modupe Osikoya, following years of success both in Nigeria and on the international stage.

During his playing career, Obisanya represented Nigeria at major competitions, including the African Games, African Championships and World Championships.

Widely regarded as one of the pioneers who helped establish Nigerian table tennis on the global stage, Obisanya was among the country's leading international competitors during the 1970s.

During the era of “Ping Pong Diplomacy” in 1975, he partnered Lateef Sunmola to reach major tournament finals, becoming part of the only non-Asian pair to achieve such a feat at that level.

After retiring from active competition, Obisanya served as head coach of Nigeria's national table tennis team from 1976 to 2010. During his long coaching career, he mentored and assessed some of Africa's finest players, including Nigerian table tennis legend Segun Toriola.

Even after leaving the national coaching position, Obisanya remained actively involved in sports administration.

He served as chairman and a key driving force behind the Adegboyega Efunkoya National U-15 Table Tennis Championship, where he consistently championed the integration of education and youth sports development.

Obisanya's legacy as a player, coach, mentor and administrator will remain an enduring part of Nigerian table tennis history, while his contributions to the sport will continue to be remembered by generations of players and administrators.