West Africa Table Tennis Championships Kick Off in Lagos with Fierce Regional Rivalries
The 2025 West Africa Table Tennis Championships officially kicked off today, Wednesday, July 16, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall in Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. The prestigious event brings together the region’s top talents in a fierce four-day contest that will determine qualifiers for the 2025 African Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.
As the host nation, Nigeria is once again in the spotlight, aiming to defend its long-standing dominance in both the team and singles events. However, recent upsets and rising competition have added pressure to this year’s campaign, especially following Togo’s shocking 3-2 win over Nigeria’s men’s team during the 2024 edition in Lomé.
Nigeria’s men’s lineup includes a strong blend of youth and experience, with top players like Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, Muiz Adegoke, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and Matthew Fabunmi all expected to lead the charge. They’ll be facing stiff competition from Togo’s US-based standout Kokou Fanny and rising stars Atarou Assou and Kossi Akakpo.
Also in the race is Ivory Coast, led by Oba Oba Kizito, a Paris-based player and the inaugural regional champion. After multiple near-victories in past editions, Kizito is returning with renewed determination to finally clinch gold.
In the women’s category, Nigeria remains the favorite, despite the absence of reigning singles champion Hope Udoaka. Veteran Ajoke Ojomu will captain the team, supported by up-and-comers Aishat Rabiu and Aziza Sezuo, as they seek to maintain the country’s dominance on the women’s side.
What’s at stake at this year’s championships?
The tournament serves as the qualifying event for the African Championships in Rwanda later this year. Top-performing teams and singles players from the West African region will secure their place at the continental competition.
Team champions will be crowned on Thursday, July 17, while the singles finals will close the competition on Saturday, July 19.
As the 2025 West Africa Table Tennis Championships unfold in Lagos, the stage is set for intense matches and unforgettable moments. With regional pride and qualification for Kigali on the line, Nigeria and its challengers are ready to battle for supremacy in one of Africa’s most competitive table tennis contests.
