Nigeria petitions ITTF over visa denial

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has formally petitioned the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) after its players were denied entry visas to compete at the ongoing 2025 World Youth Championships in Romania. The incident has raised concerns within Nigeria’s table tennis community, as it jeopardizes the country’s participation in one of the sport’s most […]

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has formally petitioned the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) after its players were denied entry visas to compete at the ongoing 2025 World Youth Championships in Romania.

The incident has raised concerns within Nigeria’s table tennis community, as it jeopardizes the country’s participation in one of the sport’s most prestigious youth events.

In a letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation condemned the visa refusal, calling it a violation of the principles of international sportsmanship, inclusivity, and fair participation that the ITTF and its partners uphold.

“As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,” Tayo stated.

Despite weeks of rigorous training by players and coaches, the visa denial has dampened the contingent’s morale and resulted in financial losses for the federation. Nigeria had qualified to represent Africa in the boys’ U-19 and U-15 team events after emerging as continental champions at the African Youth Championships in Lagos.

The NTTF also emphasized: “Since our inability to participate is not a fault of NTTF, we hereby formally notify the ITTF and the host federation, Romania Table Tennis Federation that NTTF will not be liable for any penalties or financial obligations arising from accommodation or hospitality reservations made in relation to this event.”