Regional titans clash at 2025 ITTF Africa championships
The quest for table tennis supremacy in West Africa begins today, Wednesday, July 16, as the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships serve off at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. The prestigious tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, will see the region’s […]
Regional titans clash at 2025 ITTF Africa championships
The quest for table tennis supremacy in West Africa begins today, Wednesday, July 16, as the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships serve off at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
The prestigious tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, will see the region’s top nations battle for honors in both team and singles events over four days of intense action.
Host nation Nigeria, long-time regional powerhouse, enters as the favorite but faces increasing pressure from rivals like Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. Memories remain fresh of Togo’s shock 3-2 victory over Nigeria’s men’s team at last year’s edition in Lomé—a result that has only heightened anticipation for this year’s showdown.
Nigeria’s men’s squad features a formidable lineup, including Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, Muiz Adegoke, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and Matthew Fabunmi. Togo counters with US-based ace Kokou Fanny, supported by Atarou Assou and Kossi Akakpo. Côte d’Ivoire’s hopes rest on Oba Oba Kizito, the inaugural singles champion, who is eager to finally secure gold after multiple close finishes.
In the women’s category, Nigeria remains the team to beat despite the absence of reigning champion Hope Udoaka. Led by seasoned campaigner Ajoke Ojomu, the team features rising stars Aishat Rabiu and Aziza Sezuo.
Team champions will be crowned on Thursday, July 17, with singles titles decided in the grand finale on Saturday, July 19[oo1] .