The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has announced a 10-man squad for the 2025 ITTF African Championships, set to take place in Tunis, Tunisia, from October 12 to 19.
A major highlight is the return of Taiwo Mati, who last represented Nigeria at the 2023 ITTF World Championships in Durban, South Africa.
The continental tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, a historic centenary edition marking 100 years since the event first held in 1926.
Mati, who plays professionally in Europe, earned his recall after finishing among the top four at the 2025 West Regional Championships in Lagos, edging out Muiz Adegoke.
He joins a formidable lineup that includes Africa’s top-ranked player Quadri Aruna, 2019 African Games gold medalist Olajide Omotayo, two-time West African champion Matthew Kuti, and rising star Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.
After a two-year absence from the national team, Mati’s semifinal finish at the regional event marked a strong comeback for the left-handed player.
On the women’s side, captain Ajoke Ojomu will lead a youthful squad featuring Favour Ojo, Aishat Rabiu, Kabirat Ayoola, and Sukurat Aiyelabegan.
NTTF Vice President Adesoji Tayo emphasized the federation’s commitment to youth development.
“We believe that exposing these young players to top-tier competitions will help them grow stronger and more confident.”
“Competing against Africa’s best will prepare them to face global opponents. With guidance from experienced coaches like Segun Toriola and Dotun Omoniyi, we’re optimistic they’ll gain valuable experience and deliver strong performances,” Tayo said.
Nigeria and Egypt are tipped as frontrunners in the men’s competition, which also features Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, DR Congo, and Morocco.
In the women’s category, Nigeria will battle Egypt, Tunisia, Ghana, Benin Republic, Ethiopia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Angola, and Algeria.
The top-performing teams from both the men’s and women’s events will book their places at London 2026, the sport’s most prestigious global stage.
