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Youngsters Ignite Lagos for 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

As the Festival of Table Tennis continues, Lagos is set to host over 150 young talents from across the continent at the 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships. The event kicks off on Sunday, July 27, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium. Speaking at the press briefing held on Sunday, July 27, ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi described the tournament as a showcase of the continent’s finest young table tennis talents. He noted that many of the participants possess skills that rival those of Africa’s current senior players. “I’m thrilled that we’ll witness such high-level play from the best young talents across Africa. This generation is arguably the most gifted we’ve seen, and they represent the future of African table tennis. Players like Quadri Aruna and Omar Assar have made us proud globally, and now we get to see their potential successors. Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh, now coaching the national team, is here in Lagos, and I believe we’re in for an unforgettable tournament. Talents like Wassim Essid, who has competed at the highest levels, are just the beginning,” Oshodi said. ITTF Africa Deputy President Alfred Bagueka praised Nigeria for hosting the event, highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a top-tier organiser of international table tennis competitions. “Nigeria has proven to be a capable and passionate host, having successfully organised the West Regional tournament and the WTT Contender Lagos. The support from Lagos fans and the high standard of organisation will undoubtedly make this a memorable event. We also commend President Oshodi for his leadership in bringing major international events to Africa. Other nations should take inspiration from this,” Bagueka stated. Competition Manager Menna Elzaabalawy confirmed that over 17 countries will be represented, with more than 150 players competing in 16 events across singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team categories. “Nigeria’s experience in hosting international tournaments gives us confidence in a smooth and exciting championship. Players will compete in U-15 and U-19 categories, with team event winners qualifying for the World Youth Championships (WYC) in Romania later this year. Finalists in the singles events will also earn automatic WYC spots. This is the largest gathering of youth teams in Africa, and we anticipate thrilling matches over the next seven days,” she said. ITTF Africa COO Kweku Tandoh emphasized the significance of Lagos hosting the event for the first time. “This cements Lagos as the hub of table tennis in Africa. Following the AYC, we’ll also host the inaugural ITTF Africa Youth Cup—an initiative that could soon be adopted by ITTF globally,” he said. Africa’s top-ranked U-19 player, Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, expressed his excitement about defending his title. “I’m thrilled to be in Nigeria for the first time and eager to compete against Africa’s best. The energy and passion of Lagos fans make this a fantastic place to play,” he said. Nigeria’s Tobi Adebakin and Favour Ojo also shared their enthusiasm, acknowledging the stiff competition expected from North African countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, as well as Uganda.

Nigeria, Togo Set to Defend Titles at 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships in Lagos

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Defending champions Nigeria and Togo are gearing up to retain their titles at the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 19 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Nigeria, the region’s most decorated team, will defend its women’s team title, which it retained in Lomé last year. Meanwhile, Togo will aim to secure a second consecutive men’s team title, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nigeria in the 2024 final. This year’s championship will feature strong competition from across the region, with Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Niger Republic, and Sierra Leone joining the fray. In the singles events, Nigeria’s top-ranked player, Matthew Kuti, will defend his men’s singles title. Kuti made history last year in Lomé by defeating Côte d’Ivoire’s Oba Oba Kizito 4-1 to claim his first regional crown. A repeat victory would make him the first male player to win back-to-back singles titles in the tournament’s history. The women’s singles title is open for the taking following the absence of reigning champion Hope Udoaka of Nigeria, setting the stage for a new champion to emerge. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships, to be held later this year in Rwanda. With the advantage of home support and the largest player contingent, Nigeria is also eyeing a return to the top in the men’s team event. Participation has reached a new high, with over 10 countries confirmed, surpassing previous editions that peaked at nine. Notably, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Niger Republic are returning to the competition after years of absence. “All eyes will be on Nigeria,” said Ferdinand Sonou, Vice President of ITTF Africa West Region and former President of the Benin Table Tennis Federation. “Nigeria has a proven track record of hosting international competitions, and teams always look forward to playing here. This tournament marks the beginning of a series of international events in Lagos, and I believe we’ll witness the emergence of new stars alongside the established ones.” Sonou also commended ITTF Africa President Wahid Enitan Oshodi for his continued support, noting that the increased number of participating teams reflects the growing strength of table tennis in the region. The 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships promise high-stakes action, intense rivalries, and a celebration of West African table tennis excellence.