The 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships, a prestigious table tennis tournament showcasing the continent’s rising stars, has commenced in Lagos, Nigeria. This marks the first time Lagos has hosted this premier youth event, welcoming over 150 young athletes from 19 countries. The week-long competition, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall within the Teslim Balogun Stadium, promises intense battles for continental glory and coveted tickets to the World Youth Championships in Romania later in the year. The tournament features a range of categories, including U-15 and U-19, with players competing in singles, doubles, and team events. The atmosphere in Lagos is electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the display of exceptional talent from across Africa.
Nigeria’s top-seeded players, Tobi Adebakin and Favour Ojo, are spearheading the nation’s medal aspirations. Both athletes have expressed confidence in their preparedness, citing extensive training camps and recent competitive tune-up events. Ojo emphasizes the home advantage, believing the familiar environment, coupled with enthusiastic home crowd support, will boost their performance. She anticipates a strong showing from the Nigerian contingent, aiming for success across all event formats. Adebakin, recognized as one of Nigeria’s brightest U-19 prospects, has set his sights on the top podium position. Acknowledging the formidable competition, he remains determined to give his all and make Nigeria proud. He views the tournament as a 50-50 challenge, where his dedication and talent, combined with favorable circumstances, could propel him to victory.
The Nigerian team, having undergone rigorous preparation in a three-week training camp, is ready to challenge table tennis powerhouses like Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria. Adebakin exudes confidence in the team’s readiness, emphasizing their intensive training and strategic preparation for the tournament. They aim to capitalize on their home advantage and deliver a performance worthy of their potential. The tournament is not just about individual glory; it also carries significant implications for team qualification. The winners of the team events secure automatic qualification for the World Youth Championships in Romania, adding an extra layer of pressure and excitement to the competition.
Wahid Oshodi, President of ITTF Africa, has hailed the tournament as a showcase of Africa’s future table tennis champions. He emphasizes the remarkable talent within this generation of players, highlighting individuals like Wassim Essid as potential successors to established African stars like Quadri Aruna and Omar Assar. Oshodi expresses pride in Nigeria’s hosting of the event, praising the high standards of organization and the conducive environment created for the young athletes. This sentiment is echoed by Alfred Bagueka, ITTF Africa Deputy President, who commends Nigeria’s growing reputation as a reliable host for international table tennis competitions. He references the successful hosting of previous events like the WTT Contender Lagos as evidence of Nigeria’s capability and commitment to the sport.
Menna Elzaabalawy, the Competition Manager, highlights the historical significance of this championship, describing it as Africa’s largest youth gathering in table tennis history. With 16 events across team, singles, doubles, and mixed doubles formats, the tournament promises a thrilling spectacle of skill and competition. Elzaabalawy emphasizes the high stakes involved, with singles finalists also earning qualification spots for the World Youth Championships. She anticipates a fiercely competitive and exciting championship, showcasing the best of African youth table tennis. The size and scope of the tournament underscore the growing popularity and development of table tennis across the continent, with more young athletes participating and striving for international recognition.
The enthusiasm surrounding the tournament is palpable, with Lagos buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness Africa’s top young talents in action. Top-ranked Tunisian player Wassim Essid expresses his delight at being in Nigeria for the first time, praising the passionate energy of Lagos fans and the vibrant atmosphere they create. This positive reception adds to the overall excitement and anticipation for the tournament, creating a memorable experience for the participating athletes. The 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships is not just a competition; it is a celebration of youth, talent, and the growing prominence of table tennis in Africa. It represents a platform for young athletes to shine, gain valuable experience, and pave the way for a bright future for the sport on the continent.
