Nigeria, Egypt seal WYC spots as Uganda clinches historic U-15 title
Nigeria and Egypt have secured their places at the 2025 World Youth Championships (WYC) in Romania after emerging victorious in the U-19 team events at the ongoing ITTF African Youth Championships, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. In the boys’ U-19 category, Nigeria staged a dramatic comeback in the semifinals, overturning […]
Nigeria and Egypt have secured their places at the 2025 World Youth Championships (WYC) in Romania after emerging victorious in the U-19 team events at the ongoing ITTF African Youth Championships, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
In the boys’ U-19 category, Nigeria staged a dramatic comeback in the semifinals, overturning a 0-2 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2. The final proved even more intense, as the hosts battled defending champions Tunisia in a thrilling 3-2 encounter.
Despite Tunisia’s star player, Wassim Essid, claiming two hard-fought 3-2 victories over Matthew Kuti and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, Nigeria held their nerve.
In the decisive match, Abdulfatai delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Mohamed Khaloufi to seal the title and mark Nigeria’s return to continental glory after missing the 2024 edition. Algeria and Egypt claimed bronze medals for their efforts.
- Eagles B target win against Zanzibar in CHAN warm-up match
- 2 accused of killing pregnant nurse in Anambra, sell parts to native doctor
In the girls’ U-19 final, Egypt reaffirmed its dominance with a commanding 3-0 win over Nigeria to claim its fourth consecutive team title and the sole continental ticket to the WYC.
Team captain Mariam Younes led the charge with a 3-0 victory over Aishat Rabiu, followed by Habiba Elbasoumy’s equally dominant 3-0 win against Favour Ojo. In the final match, Kabirat Ayoola put up a spirited fight, taking a game off Nour Zaki, but the Egyptian held firm to win 3-1 and complete the sweep.
Madagascar and South Africa settled for bronze in the girls’ U-19 event.
Meanwhile, in the U-15 girls’ category, Uganda made history by winning its first-ever continental gold medal. The East African side came from 1-2 down to defeat Tunisia 3-2 in a gripping final.