African Stars Chase ITTF World Cup Spots in Libya
For the first time in the history of table tennis, Libya’s second-largest city, Benghazi, will welcome Africa’s finest players as they battle for coveted tickets to the 2026 ITTF World Cup in Macao, China. From February 7 to 9, the iconic Al-Nasr Sports Club will host the ITTF Africa Cup, bringing together elite athletes from across the continent to North Africa in pursuit of podium finishes and passage to the global arena. The stakes are high: semifinalists in both the men’s and women’s singles will automatically secure their places at next month’s World Cup in Macao. For the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and its African counterpart, Libya’s hosting of the championship is more than a competition as it is a testament to the diversity of the sport and a celebration of unity and excellence across Africa. Wahid Enitan Oshodi, President of ITTF Africa, praised the Libyan Table Tennis Federation (LTTF) for its commitment to staging the tournament. He highlighted the cultural richness of the occasion, noting that Libya’s enthusiasm in welcoming athletes, officials, and fans from across the continent makes the event truly special. “Gatherings such as this celebrate both our diversity and our unity, defining what it means to be part of the table tennis family,” Oshodi remarked. Echoing this sentiment, ITTF President Petra Sörling emphasized the growing global presence of African table tennis. “The ITTF Africa Cup has become a strong reflection of the continent’s rising influence within the international table tennis landscape. Through sustained efforts in competition delivery, high-performance development, and organizational capacity, African table tennis continues to strengthen its foundations and broaden its impact on the world stage,” she said. This year’s tournament carries added significance as the sport approaches its centenary. Oshodi reflected on the milestone, pointing to the 2026 World Team Championships in London as the culmination of a century of progress. “The ITTF Africa Cup provides an invaluable opportunity for our players and teams to sharpen their preparations, foster competitive excellence, and nurture the spirit of table tennis throughout the region,” he noted. The ITTF chairperson also commended Libya’s boldness in hosting the event during such a historic year. “2026 marks 100 years since the founding of the ITTF and the first World Table Tennis Championships in 1926. As the sport reflects on a century of growth, it is important to recognize that this milestone belongs to the entire table tennis community, whose dedication across generations has shaped the sport we know today.” Looking ahead, Sorling, who is an IOC Executive Member, said Africa’s role in the global sporting movement continues to expand, with major milestones on the horizon—including preparations for the first-ever Youth Olympic Games to be hosted on the continent. Within this broader context, she added that the ITTF Africa Cup stands as both a celebration of African ambition and a declaration of the continent’s confidence and future potential in the world of table tennis.
