Mabel Segun, a pioneer of female table tennis in Nigeria and Africa, passed away on Thursday, March 6, at the age of 95. Her family confirmed her passing in a statement, expressing gratitude for her impactful life in literature, broadcasting, and sports.

Born on February 18, 1930, Segun was among Nigeria’s first female table tennis players to gain international recognition. In 1954, she became the first Nigerian woman to compete in the National Singles Championships, breaking gender barriers in the sport. Nigerian table tennis historian Femi Olugbile described her as a trailblazer whose achievements encouraged more women to take up the game.

Beyond sports, Segun was a respected literary icon and university graduate. She earned the University’s Table Tennis Half Colour and won multiple awards, including a gold medal in doubles in 1954. She continued competing until age 58.

She was married to former ATTF President Engr. George Segun and is survived by her children and grandchildren.