Nigerian table tennis legend, Offiong Edem has officially announced her retirement from international competition, concluding a remarkable 20-year career that saw her shine on the global stage, including five Olympic Games appearances.
The 37-year-old athlete shared the news on her social media platforms on Thursday, expressing gratitude for her journey and revealing plans to mentor emerging table tennis talents.
“A proud 5-time Olympian, I bid farewell to the national team,” wrote the Calabar-born star. “It’s time to explore new horizons and nurture young table tennis talents, inspiring the next generation to surpass my achievements.”
Edem thanked her supporters, including family, friends, and the Nigerian sports community, for their encouragement throughout her career. She also expressed gratitude to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), and the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) for the opportunities she received.
Rising from humble beginnings in Bayside, Edem became one of Africa’s most decorated table tennis players, earning multiple gold medals at the African Championships and playing a key role in Nigeria’s dominance in team events across the continent.
Her career highlights include representing Nigeria at the African Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic Games. She competed in the Athens 2004, London 2012, and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, earning respect as a resilient and accomplished player on the global stage.
As she steps away from international competition, Edem remains committed to the table tennis community, focusing on empowering the next generation of stars and promoting the sport across Nigeria.
The announcement marks the end of an era for Nigerian table tennis, as Edem’s legacy of excellence, determination, and inspiration continues to resonate within the sport.
