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Tag: ITTF

Nigeria Petitions ITTF Over Visa Denial for World Youth Championships in Romania

Wale busari03 mins

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has lodged a formal petition with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) after its players were denied entry visas to compete at the ongoing 2025 World Youth Championships in Romania. The development has sparked concern within Nigeria’s table tennis community, as the setback threatens the country’s participation in one of the sport’s most prestigious youth tournaments. In a letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation condemned the decision, describing it as a violation of the principles of international sportsmanship, inclusivity, and fair participation that ITTF and its partners uphold. “As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,” Tayo stated. Despite weeks of intensive training by players and coaches, the visa denial has dampened the spirit of the contingent and resulted in financial losses for the federation. Nigeria was set to represent Africa in the boys’ U-19 and U-15 team events, having qualified as continental champions at the African Youth Championships in Lagos. The NTTF further noted: “Since our inability to participate is not a fault of NTTF, we hereby formally notify the ITTF and the host federation, Romania Table Tennis Federation, that NTTF will not be liable for any penalties or financial obligations arising from accommodation or hospitality reservations made in relation to this event.” Tayo urged ITTF to urgently intervene to prevent similar occurrences in the future, stressing that the visa refusal has disrupted Nigeria’s ambition of grooming another generation of world-class players.

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Oshodi’s Re-election as ITTF Vice President Thrills Sanwo-Olu, Abiru, Others

Wale busari04 mins

The re-election of Wahid Enitan Oshodi as Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has drawn widespread commendation from prominent leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, Anthony Adeboye. Oshodi was re-elected during the continuation of the ITTF Annual General Meeting (AGM) held online on Saturday, November 15, 2025. His return to the Executive Board was celebrated as a recognition of his exceptional leadership, deep knowledge of global sports administration, and unwavering commitment to advancing table tennis in Nigeria, Africa, and worldwide. In a congratulatory statement issued by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Governor described Oshodi’s re-election as a testament to his leadership qualities and hard work during his first term. Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I rejoice with a worthy citizen of our dear State, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, on his re-election as Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Oshodi has distinguished himself at the state, national, continental, and international levels. His contributions to sports development, particularly table tennis, have been immense, and we are proud of his achievements. We believe he will continue to lift the fortunes of table tennis in Nigeria and Africa, raising the bar to compete globally.” Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, also praised Oshodi’s achievement: “On behalf of the people of Lagos East Senatorial District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to my dear brother and friend, Barrister Wahid Enitan Oshodi, on his well-deserved re-election. This remarkable victory exemplifies his distinguished leadership, competence, and unwavering commitment to the growth of table tennis worldwide.” Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, highlighted Oshodi’s consistency and integrity: “Your influence continues to uplift the standard of table tennis in Nigeria and inspire the next generation of African sports leaders. You have always been a shining example of excellence, and this new mandate further positions you to elevate our continent to even greater heights in the world of sports.” Oshodi, who also serves as President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), will continue his role on the ITTF Executive Board for another four-year term (2025–2029), working alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling to advance the sport globally.

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Wahid Enitan Oshodi Re-Elected as ITTF Executive Vice President

Wale busari03 mins

Nigeria’s Wahid Enitan Oshodi has been re-elected as Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) during the continuation of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held online on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Additionally, Olabanji Oladapo, the former Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), has been confirmed as a member of the ITTF Council following the ratification of the Council Members. Oshodi, who also serves as President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), secured his re-election in the first round of voting contested by 15 candidates worldwide. He emerged among the top seven, alongside representatives from the United States, China, Turkey, Australia, Ecuador, Romania, and Jordan. Of the three African candidates; Oshodi, Egypt’s Alaa Meshref, and South Africa’s Hajera Kajee, Oshodi was the only one elected to the eight-member Vice President team. Oshodi and China’s Liu Guoliang are the only returning members from the outgoing executive board, while six newly elected officials will join the board for the first time. Oshodi will serve another four-year term (2025–2029) alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling, continuing to champion Africa’s representation at the global level. A seasoned sports administrator, legal practitioner, and civil engineer, Oshodi has held several leadership roles in Nigerian and African sports. He served as Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development from 2011, organising the 2012 National Sports Festival and overseeing infrastructure development. As President of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation from 2013, he promoted youth development and international competitiveness, hosting ITTF Challenger tournaments. Oshodi’s rise in continental leadership began in 2016 when he was elected Vice President of ITTF Africa (Western Region). He became Deputy President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) in 2021 and was elected President in 2024, with a focus on expanding access and participation in table tennis across Africa. With his re-election, Oshodi will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing the sport globally while strengthening Africa’s presence within the ITTF.

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Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria Secure Spots for London 2026

Wale busari03 mins

Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria Secure Spots for London 2026 By Bunmi Ogunyale African table tennis powerhouses Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Algeria have officially booked their places at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom, following dominant performances in their respective groups at the ongoing 2025 ITTF Africa Championships in Tunis. Egypt was the first men’s team to seal qualification, cruising past Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. Nigeria followed with emphatic 3-0 victories over Cameroon and South Africa in Group B. Morocco also advanced from the group after defeating both Cameroon and South Africa, setting up a decisive clash with Nigeria to determine the group leader. Algeria and host nation Tunisia completed the list of qualifiers by topping Groups C and D, respectively. In the women’s category, the pattern mirrored the men’s event, with Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria securing their tickets to London. Joining them is Uganda’s young and promising squad, marking a significant milestone for the East African nation. From April 28 to May 10, 2026, London will host the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals, a historic edition commemorating 100 years since the founding of both the World Championships and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) in the British capital. This centenary celebration will bring together 64 teams per gender. Of these, 52 will qualify through continental championships, 11 through world rankings (as of November 2025), and one automatic spot will be reserved for host nation England. The World Championships remain the pinnacle of global table tennis—a stage where legends are born and history is written. The countdown to London 2026 has begun, and the world’s best are preparing to converge for this once-in-a-century homecoming.

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African Stars Light Up Tunis for 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships

Wale busari05 mins

From October 12 to 19, the city of Tunis, Tunisia, will reverberate with the energy and talent of Africa’s finest table tennis players as the 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships get underway. Athletes from across the continent—East, West, North, Central, and South—have converged on the Tunisian capital, all vying for glory and coveted qualification spots for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom. While Nigeria’s top-ranked Quadri Aruna is notably absent, the tournament still boasts a star-studded lineup including Egypt’s Omar Assar, Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa, Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, Egypt’s Hana Goda, Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo, and France-based Abdel-Kader Salifou. From the leadership of the Tunisia Table Tennis Federation (TTTF) to the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), the spirit of the event is one of celebration and unity. TTTF President Samir Khelif expressed pride in hosting the prestigious event: “We’re honoured to be chosen once again to host this championship and deeply appreciate the trust of ITTF Africa. As always, we aim to provide warm hospitality and a vibrant atmosphere for all our guests.” ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi also praised Tunisia’s swift response in stepping up after Rwanda’s withdrawal: “We’re immensely grateful to the people of Tunisia for their unwavering support. Their readiness to host on short notice speaks volumes about their commitment to the sport. This championship is all about the players, and Tunisia has created the perfect environment for them to shine.” With youthful energy and national pride fueling their ambitions, Tunisia’s rising stars are ready to take on Africa’s best and prove they belong on the big stage. Leading the charge are 14-year-old Ela Saidi and 17-year-old Wassim Essid, key members of the Tunisian team competing at the eight-day tournament taking place at the Rades Multi-Purpose Hall in Tunis from October 12 to 19. Making her debut at the prestigious event, Saidi described the opportunity to play alongside her idols as a dream come true. “I’m so happy to be competing in my first African Championships, especially sharing the stage with stars like Hana Goda and Omar Assar,” she said. “It’s a huge honour, and I’ll give my best and perform to the highest level I can. Most importantly, I want to use this experience to grow as a player — facing top opponents will help me improve.” Essid, fresh off his victory in the boys’ U-17 singles at the WTT Youth Contender Tunis, sees the tournament as another chance to challenge the continent’s elite. “I’m not going to relax — playing at home means I’ll have the support of the crowd, and I’ll give my best as always,” he said. “It’s a big opportunity for Tunisia to host this event, and I hope we exceed expectations and make our country proud. We’d love to be part of the journey to London in 2026 through the team event.”

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Nigeria, Egypt, Others Battle for London 2026 World Championship Spots in Tunis

Fola Badmus04 mins

Africa’s table tennis giants, Nigeria and Egypt, will lead the charge for qualification to the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom, as the continent’s top teams converge in Tunis, Tunisia, for the 2025 ITTF African Championships from October 12 to 19. London 2026 marks a historic centenary celebration, returning the World Championships to the city where it all began in 1926. The Tunis tournament serves as the official African qualification event, with the top-performing men’s and women’s teams securing their place on the sport’s grandest stage. In the men’s division, Nigeria—West Africa’s dominant force—and Egypt—the North African powerhouse—will be joined by Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, DR Congo, and Morocco. The women’s field features Egypt, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Angola, Algeria, and host nation Tunisia. With London in sight, the battle for qualification will intensify during the final three days of the continental tournament, where all eyes will be on Nigeria and Egypt as they renew their storied rivalry. According to the ITTF, London 2026 will feature 64 teams in both the men’s and women’s events—an expansion from the previous 40-team format. This growth reflects the global rise of table tennis and opens the door for more nations to compete at the highest level. The tournament will unfold across two iconic London venues. The Copper Box Arena will host the opening rounds from April 28 to May 1, followed by the main draw at Wembley Arena from May 2 to 10, where the world’s elite will compete for the ultimate prize. Each gender will see 64 teams divided into 16 groups of four, with round-robin matches determining progression. A key innovation in the format is the introduction of Stage 1a and Stage 1b: Stage 1a features the top eight teams (seven highest-ranked plus host nation) split into two groups. All eight automatically advance, with group results determining seedings. Stage 1b includes the remaining 56 teams across 14 groups. The 14 group winners and six best second-placed teams qualify directly. The remaining eight second-placed teams enter a preliminary knockout round, with four winners completing the 32-team main draw. From the first serve at the Copper Box to the final point at Wembley, London 2026 promises to celebrate not only the present strength of global table tennis but also the remarkable journey that began in the same city a century ago.

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Oshodi Seeks Re-Election as ITTF Executive Vice President

Fola Badmus14 mins

Nigeria’s Wahid Enitan Oshodi will be among 17 global candidates vying for eight available positions as Executive Vice Presidents of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) on Tuesday, May 27, in Doha, Qatar. The election will take place during the ITTF Annual General Meeting. All candidates have been vetted and approved by the Nominations Committee following the ITTF Electoral and Appointment Regulations, following their meeting on March 6, 2025. Oshodi, one of four incumbents seeking re-election, is widely regarded as a strong contender due to his significant contributions during his first term on the Executive Board. His leadership and diplomacy have earned him respect within the global table tennis community. In 2024, Oshodi was elected President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), further cementing his influence in the sport. He played a pivotal role in resolving tensions between World Table Tennis (WTT) and the athletes’ community, enhancing his reputation as a unifying figure. Other candidates for the Executive Vice President positions include: Hajera Hajee (South Africa), Robert Jjagwe (Uganda), Ayman Ali (Sudan), Beatrice Romanescu (Romania), Paul Calle (Ecuador), Ichiro Hoshino (Japan), Imre Kovacsics (Hungary), Veli Ozan Cakir (Turkey), Alaor Azevedo (Brazil), Alaa Meshref (Egypt), Anthony Moore (Australia), Liu Guoliang (China), Stefano Bosi (Italy), Princess Zeina Rashid (Jordan), Virginia Sung (USA) and Ryu Seungmin (South Korea). Meanwhile, Andrew Mudibo (Kenya), Elhajji Monqid (Morocco), and Lotfi Guerfel (Tunisia) have withdrawn their candidacies. In addition to the Vice Presidential race, the ITTF Presidential election will also take place, featuring three candidates: incumbent Petra Sörling (Sweden), Khalil Al-Mohannadi (Qatar), and newcomer Mohamed El Hacen Ahmed Salem (Mauritania). Sörling, the first female ITTF President, was elected in 2021 during a turbulent period marked by the global pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Her tenure has been credited with stabilising the federation’s finances and promoting unity through sport. She also became the first ITTF President to earn a seat on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a milestone that has elevated the sport’s global profile. Backed by major sporting nations, Sörling is seeking a second term to build on the momentum of the past four years and continue advancing the sport worldwide. The ITTF, with 227 member associations, remains the largest sports federation globally, and the upcoming elections are expected to shape the future of table tennis for years to come.

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Proud Aruna Bows Out to Calderano in Doha

Fola Badmus03 mins

Quadri Aruna may have concluded his campaign at the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, after a tough fourth-round defeat. The proud Nigerian succumbed to Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in a one-sided Men’s Singles clash at the Lusail Arena on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Billed as one of the tournament’s marquee matchups, the contest fell short of expectations, with Calderano displaying outright dominance from start to finish. The South American star cruised to a commanding 4-0 (11-4, 11-4, 11-4, 11-6) victory to book his place in the quarterfinals. Tactically astute, Calderano effectively neutralized Aruna’s powerful forehand—his most dangerous weapon—by forcing the Nigerian into backhand exchanges, which proved largely ineffective. Despite strategic input and encouragement from his coaching corner, Aruna struggled to find rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors that further tilted momentum toward his opponent. The 22-minute encounter showcased Calderano’s elite technique, including his blistering backhand and explosive forehand topspin, which consistently earned him points. Despite the loss, Aruna continues to make history. At 36, he remains a trailblazer for African table tennis. He became the first African to reach the Round of 16 at the ITTF World Championships twice, following his quarterfinal appearance at the 2021 edition in Houston, USA. In Doha, he was the only African to finish in the top 16, further cementing his legacy. Speaking after the match, Calderano acknowledged the threat posed by Aruna. “It’s never easy to stay at the same level in every competition, especially after winning the ITTF World Cup last month. I had to take some rest and resume training, focused because table tennis is unpredictable. Against someone like Aruna, you always have to be at your best,” Calderano said. Though his journey ends in Doha, Aruna’s impact continues to resonate. His performance remains a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.

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