NTTF unveils 8-man squad for ITTF Africa Hopes Challenge

After six days of rigorous training and a two-day tournament under the supervision of ITTF-certified coaches, the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has selected eight young talents—four boys and four girls—to represent the country at the 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, slated for July in Lagos. The intensive training camp, held from April […]

After six days of rigorous training and a two-day tournament under the supervision of ITTF-certified coaches, the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has selected eight young talents—four boys and four girls—to represent the country at the 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, slated for July in Lagos.

The intensive training camp, held from April 2 to 7 at the National Training Centre, National Stadium, Lagos, featured 25 cadet (U-12) players drawn from various states across Nigeria.

Backed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and ITTF Africa, the National Hopes Week aimed to equip young athletes with technical skills, tactical awareness, and foundational experience crucial to their growth in the sport.

In the boys’ singles final, Samson Joshua from Kogi State emerged champion after a thrilling 4-2 win over Oyo’s Umar Ayoola. On the girls’ side, Elizabeth Emelike of Abia State claimed victory with a 4-1 triumph over Edo’s Deborah Faleye.

All four semifinalists in both categories earned places in Team Nigeria for the continental event.

Completing the boys’ team are Lagos players Juwon Ogunshakin and Habib Adebayo, while the girls’ squad is rounded out by Lagos’ Semilore Owoiya and Emmanuella Ahaibu, joining Emelike and Faleye.