NUJ and China Cultural Centre Celebrate Eight Years of Table Tennis Partnership in Abuja

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Council, and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria have marked the eighth edition of the China-Nigeria Table Tennis Friendship Match in Abuja.
​The annual tournament brings together media practitioners, diplomats, business executives, and sportspersons from both countries to foster bilateral relations through sports and cultural diplomacy.
​Sports as a Bridge for Diplomacy
​Speaking at the event, Mr. Yang Jianxing, representing the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, described table tennis as an effective catalyst for mutual trust and cultural understanding.
​”A small table can bring people together, and a simple paddle can convey genuine friendship,” Jianxing remarked. “Every serve, every return, and every handshake on the court reflects the spirit of mutual respect, teamwork, and fair play.”
​Jianxing noted that the 2026 edition coincides with the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. He highlighted recent economic initiatives, including China’s zero-tariff policy implemented on May 1, 2026, for 53 African nations, as well as proposals outlined by Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 13 regarding China-Africa cooperation in conflict resolution and sustainable mining.
​Commending the partnership, NUJ Abuja Council Chairperson Comrade Grace Ike praised the China Cultural Centre for sustaining the tournament over eight consecutive years.
​”We played to win, but we also remember that at the end of every match, we must remain united colleagues and members of one professional family,” Ike stated, assuring partners of an expanded competition in 2027.
​The 2026 tournament saw Ignatius Nkwoh of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) emerge as the overall champion in the Men’s Singles category—securing NTA’s first-ever title in the history of the competition after reaching the semi-finals in previous editions.
​Following his victory, Nkwoh called on the Federal Government to integrate sports programs into the civil service and urged increased budgetary allocations to support grassroots sports infrastructure.