Over 150 of Africa’s most promising young table tennis players have stormed Lagos for the 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships, which officially served off on Sunday, July 27, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.
The weeklong tournament, hosted in Nigeria for the first time, features representatives from more than 17 countries battling across 16 events in singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team competitions.
For ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi, this championship is more than just another youth event—it’s a glimpse into the future of African table tennis.
“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 at Sunday’s press briefing.
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Nigeria’s growing reputation as a hub for elite table tennis events was echoed by ITTF Africa Deputy President Alfred Bagueka, who commended the country’s organisational strength and passion for the sport.
“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.
Tournament manager Menna Elzaabalawy confirmed the scale and stakes of the competition, especially with qualification spots for the World Youth Championships (WYC) on the line.
“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.
For ITTF Africa COO Kweku Tandoh, the significance of Lagos hosting the AYC goes beyond the weeklong competition.
“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,” Tandoh noted.
Among the standout names in Lagos is Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, Africa’s No. 1 ranked U-19 player and defending champion.
“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 top youth stars Tobi Adebakin and Favour Ojo also expressed their excitement, admitting they expect tough challenges from North African heavyweights Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, as well as Uganda.
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