Yahaya Olanrewaju Atoto Reclaims the Crown, Defeating Five-Time Champion Ahmed Ajila 3–1Yahaya Olanrewaju Atoto of Lokoja has returned to the summit of the Lawyers Table Tennis Open (Mfon Usoro Cup), reclaiming the prestigious title in the 2026 edition of the competition after defeating five-time defending champion Ahmed Ajila by 3–1 in a thrilling final.
The victory marks a remarkable return to glory for Yahaya Olanrewaju Atoto, who has a distinguished history in the competition. He became the first player from outside Lagos to win the tournament, achieving the feat on his debut in 2018, before successfully defending his title in 2019.
Since then, Ola has remained one of the most prominent players in the history of the Lawyers Table Tennis Open, repeatedly featuring in the latter stages of the competition and facing Ahmed Ajila in several finals.
Ajila entered the 2026 edition as the tournament’s most decorated male player, having won the championship five consecutive times from 2021 to 2025.
His dominance had established him as the player to beat, while Ola’s return to the final set up another chapter in their long-running rivalry.
But this time, it was Ola who had the final word.In a highly anticipated encounter between two of the tournament’s most accomplished players, Ola produced a determined performance to overcome Ajila 3–1, bringing an end to Ajila’s five-year reign and reclaiming the Mfon Usoro Cup.
The victory further strengthens Ola’s place in the history of the competition. From becoming the first non-Lagos-based champion in 2018 to winning again in 2019, and subsequently reaching several finals against Ajila, his 2026 triumph adds another significant chapter to an already remarkable Lawyers Table Tennis Open journey.
Yahaya Olanrewaju Atoto is champion again — six years after his last title.2026 Lawyers Table Tennis Open (Mfon Usoro Cup):🏆 Champion: Yahaya Olanrewaju Atoto🥈 Runner-up: Ahmed Ajila🎾 Final: Ola defeated Ajila 3–1THE CROWN RETURNS TO LOKOJA. 🏆🏓