The 2024 ITTF Africa Championships, held in Addis Ababa on October 14, concluded with stirring performances from both Nigeria and Egypt, who claimed victory in the men’s and women’s team events, respectively. The competition showcased high levels of skill and determination, particularly in the men’s final where Nigeria faced Algeria. Egypt, notably absent from the men’s event, witnessed thrilling matches that held spectators on the edge of their seats.
In the men’s final, the matchups were intense. Nigerian player Omotayo encountered Algeria’s Sami Kherouf in the opening match. Despite a valiant effort from Omotayo, Kherouf clinched a narrow 3-2 victory, giving Algeria an early lead at 1-0. The stakes were high as Nigeria sought to recover, leading to an electrifying response from their team. Quadri Aruna, a key player for Nigeria, stepped up in the subsequent match against Milhane Jellouli, successfully turning the tide with a commanding 3-1 victory, equalizing the score at 1-1.
With the momentum shifting, Nigeria continued to assert its dominance on the court. Matthew Kuti took to the table with confidence, showcasing his skills with an impressive 3-0 win over Maheidine Bella, which propelled Nigeria ahead to a 2-1 lead. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the decisive match approached. In a climactic showdown, Aruna once again faced Kherouf. Demonstrating exceptional talent and strategic prowess, Aruna triumphed, securing the victory for Nigeria at 3-1 and earning them the title of African champions.
On the women’s side, Egypt’s team asserted their previously established dominance in African table tennis. The Egyptian trio, composed of Hana Goda, Yousra Helmy, and Mariam Alhodaby, faced Nigeria’s contingent of Ajoke Ojomu, Fatimo Bello, and Hope Udoaka. The duel began fiercely, with Goda setting the tone by overpowering Ojomu with a decisive 3-0 victory, signaling Egypt’s intent to maintain their supremacy in the tournament.
The pressure amplified as Bello took an early lead, going up 2-0 against Helmy. However, Helmy displayed resilience by executing a remarkable comeback, ultimately winning the match 3-2, an outcome that shifted the overall momentum in favor of Egypt. With the pressure mounting on Nigeria, Alhodaby then faced Udoaka in a final matchup that would determine the fate of the contest. Alhodaby dominated the match with authority, blanking Udoaka 3-0, thus ensuring Egypt’s clean sweep and confirming their status as champions of the women’s team event.
The championship results exemplified the growing rivalry between the two nations in African table tennis. Nigeria’s men demonstrated grit and resilience, overcoming early setbacks to claim a hard-fought victory against Algeria, while Egypt’s women showcased a powerful performance, highlighting their commanding presence in the sport. As both teams celebrated their successes, the championships reaffirmed the significance of the tournament within the context of African table tennis, setting the stage for future competitions where the teams will undoubtedly continue to strive for excellence and glory on the continental stage. This championship not only highlights their sporting achievements but also symbolizes national pride and the ongoing development of table tennis in both countries, promising an exciting future for the sport in Africa.
