NUJ FCT Celebrates Gold, Bronze Medals at 8th China-Nigeria Tournament

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has secured a gold medal and other podium finishes at the 8th Nigeria-China Table Tennis Friendship Tournament held in Abuja.

The competition, which took place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the China Cultural Centre, brought together Nigerian and Chinese participants to promote sporting excellence, cultural exchange and stronger bilateral relations between the two countries.

Journalist Ignatius Nkwoh of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) emerged champion in the men’s singles category, defeating China’s Xu Haitao, who finished second. Another NUJ representative, Eke Nwokeocha, secured third position, giving Nigerian journalists two places on the podium.

In the men’s doubles category, China’s Xu Haitao and Shi Changqiang emerged champions, while the NUJ pair of Eke Nwokeocha and Ignatius Nkwoh finished as runners-up.

China also dominated the women’s singles, with Nie Xiaohua claiming first position, followed by Zhang Yaping in second place and Wu Tianxia in third.

In the mixed doubles event, China’s Shi Changqiang and Zhang Yaping emerged winners, while compatriots Xu Haitao and Wu Tianxia finished second. Nigeria’s Musa Odion and Chioma A. Love secured third position for the NUJ.

Speaking at the event, NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, described the tournament as an important platform for journalists to interact beyond their professional responsibilities while promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and professional solidarity.

She commended the China Cultural Centre for sustaining its partnership with the council over eight editions, noting that the initiative had continued to strengthen friendship and cultural understanding between Nigeria and China.

Ike said the greatest achievement of the competition extended beyond medals and prizes to the relationships, unity and cooperation it continued to build among participants.

Earlier, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Yang Jianxing, described the tournament as an avenue for promoting mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the peoples of both countries.

He noted that sporting exchanges transcend language and cultural differences, adding that interactions on the table tennis court reflected the values of mutual respect, teamwork and fair play.

Yang also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian journalists and media organisations to promoting understanding of China-Nigeria relations through coverage of trade, investment, education, culture, science and technology.

He further noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

In his appreciation remarks, men’s singles champion Ignatius Nkwoh expressed gratitude to the NUJ FCT leadership and organisers for providing the opportunity to participate in the competition.

He dedicated his trophy to the council’s chairperson, Grace Ike, and members of the executive for their encouragement and commitment to promoting sporting activities among journalists.

The eighth edition of the annual tournament further demonstrated the role of sports in strengthening international relationships, fostering cultural understanding and building lasting partnerships between Nigeria and China.

The NUJ FCT Council expressed appreciation to the organisers, sponsors and partners, while looking forward to an even more impactful ninth edition in 2027.