Speaker’s Games 2026: LTV’s Shakiru Adeleye trounce Musa Jamiu to make Table Tennis final

…Bids For Gold As Tournament Winds Down

Shakiru Adeleye of Lagos Television (LTV) has booked his place in the final of the Table Tennis event at the Speaker’s Games 2026 after a thrilling comeback victory over Musa Jamiu of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The highly competitive semi-final clash, played on Wednesday at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, saw Adeleye recover from two sets down to defeat his opponent 3-2 in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

The Speaker’s Games, an annual inter-ministerial and inter-agency sports competition, was instituted to celebrate the birthday of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, which comes up on November 11, and to promote camaraderie, fitness and teamwork among staff of the state government.

Adeleye, who has become a dominant force in the Table Tennis category of the competition, is no stranger to the podium. He won Gold in the 2023 edition, Silver in 2024, and Silver again in 2025, making him one of the most decorated players in the history of the Games.

His road to the 2026 final, however, tested his resilience. Musa Jamiu, representing the Ministry of Physical Planning, started brilliantly and raced to a 2-0 lead, capitalising on a few unforced errors from the LTV star.

But Adeleye, drawing on his experience, steadied his game, improved his service returns, and won three consecutive sets to complete a remarkable turnaround.

Speaking shortly after his victory, an elated Adeleye said that he was grateful for the opportunity and confident of winning Gold in the final.

“I thank God for coming this far. The game has been very interesting and competitive. Coming from 2-0 down was not easy, but I stayed focused.

“I know that I will pick the Gold at the finals. While I am not underrating my opponent in the final, I believe that I have all it takes to carry the day,” he said.

Adeleye also paid tribute to the Sponsor of the Games, Rt. Hon. Obasa, and commended the organisers for sustaining the competition.

“I also want to thank God for the life of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. He is a leader who believes in the physical and mental well-being of staff. I thank the organisers of the Games who gave us the platform to showcase our skills and to bond beyond our offices,” he added.

The final of the Table Tennis event is scheduled to hold later this week as part of activities lined up to celebrate Speaker Obasa’s birthday, with Adeleye expected to face another top contender from the Lagos State Civil Service.

Officials of the organising committee said that this year’s edition has witnessed increased participation and improved standard of play, reflecting the growing importance of sports in promoting unity and productivity in the Lagos State public service.