The 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall in Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria, have ignited the region with a captivating display of table tennis prowess. The tournament, featuring both men’s and women’s team events, has seen Nigeria assert its regional dominance while also showcasing the burgeoning talent emerging from other West African nations. The opening days of the competition have been marked by thrilling matches, impressive individual performances, and a palpable sense of excitement for the future of the sport in the region.
Nigeria’s men’s team, led by Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, has lived up to expectations, cruising through their Group 1 matches with a combination of power, precision, and tactical acumen. Their campaign began with a walkover victory against Liberia, followed by a decisive 3-1 win against the Ivory Coast, solidifying their position as one of the tournament favorites. The trio has demonstrated exceptional synergy, seamlessly transitioning between offensive and defensive strategies, and consistently outmaneuvering their opponents. Their dominance underscores Nigeria’s continued strength in the sport and sets the stage for a potential clash against the top contenders from Group 2.
While Nigeria’s dominance has been a key storyline, the tournament has also provided a platform for other nations to showcase their talent and potential. The Ivory Coast women’s team, despite not securing a victory in the initial stages, has offered glimpses of their growing capabilities. Audrey Diama and Eve Ndah, in particular, have impressed with their spirited performances, demonstrating remarkable technical skills and a competitive fire that bodes well for the future of Ivorian table tennis. While they may not have achieved their desired results in this tournament, their performance suggests that they are players to watch in the coming years.
Group 2, featuring Ghana, Togo, Guinea, and the Benin Republic, has emerged as a highly competitive pool, with matches often going down to the wire. The final standings of this group remained undecided as of the initial reports, adding an extra layer of suspense and anticipation to the tournament. This closely contested group dynamic highlights the increasing depth of talent across the region and indicates that the path to the finals will be anything but straightforward for any team. The intense competition within Group 2 is a testament to the growing popularity and development of table tennis across West Africa.
Beyond the on-the-table action, the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships have also been notable for the positive atmosphere and spirit of camaraderie among the participating nations. The opening ceremony, which included a march-past and speeches from dignitaries, set a celebratory tone for the tournament. Ferdinand Sonou, Vice President of ITTF Africa, West, expressed his gratitude to Nigeria and Lagos State for their impeccable hosting of the event, highlighting the crucial role of such tournaments in fostering regional cooperation and development. Olusoji Akanmu, representing the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Ishaku Tikon, echoed these sentiments, thanking the Lagos State Government for its ongoing support and reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing the growth of table tennis across West Africa.
As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds for the finals of the team event, scheduled for Thursday, July 17th. The finals promise to be a thrilling culmination of the week’s action, showcasing the best of West African table tennis. Nigeria’s men’s team, with their dominant performance thus far, appears poised for a deep run, but they will undoubtedly face stiff competition from the emerging contenders from Group 2. The women’s final also promises to be a captivating contest, with several teams demonstrating the potential to upset the established order. Beyond the results, however, the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships have already been a resounding success, showcasing the growth of the sport, strengthening regional ties, and inspiring the next generation of West African table tennis stars.
