The WTT Contender Lagos 2025 is set to light up Nigeria’s commercial capital from July 22 to 26, with some of the world’s best table tennis players confirmed for action. The event promises to deliver top-tier competition, as elite athletes from across the globe descend on Lagos for one of the most exciting stops on the WTT Contender Series.
Bold Sports reports that leading the charge in the women’s singles is world No. 9 Hina Hayata of Japan, who will be making her debut on Nigerian soil. She’ll be joined by Africa’s top-ranked woman, Hana Goda of Egypt, and French teenage sensation Prithika Pavade, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament.
At just 24, Hina Hayata has already achieved Olympic success, with silver and bronze medals to her name. Known for her aggressive left-handed style, Hayata has consistently challenged the Chinese dominance in the sport. She enters Lagos as the highest-ranked women’s singles player and a clear title contender.
Hayata was the most successful player in the ITTF Challenger Series—a predecessor to the WTT—and her consistent form has made her a cornerstone of Japan’s golden generation in women’s table tennis.
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In the men’s category, Nigerian star Quadri Aruna is expected to draw massive local support as he returns to the Lagos stage, having missed the 2024 edition due to club duties. Aruna will look to reclaim dominance on home soil, but faces tough opposition.
Denmark’s Anders Lind, a crowd favourite in Lagos, is back and targeting his first title win. He will be joined by Croatian powerhouse Tomislav Pucar, Japanese prodigy Yuta Tanaka, and Africa’s No. 1 junior Wassim Essid of Tunisia.
Tournament Director Kweku Tandoh says this year’s edition will take the WTT Contender Lagos to new heights.
“We are determined to keep raising the bar in hosting a world-class tournament,” Tandoh said. “With some of the world’s best players returning and others making their debut based on the tournament’s growing reputation, it’s clear we’re on the right path.”
To reflect its increasing status on the global calendar, prize money has been boosted to $100,000, up from $75,000 in 2024. Athletes will compete across five events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Winners will bag 400 WTT ranking points.
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