The WTT Contender Lagos 2025 has commenced, marking the third consecutive year that Lagos, Nigeria, plays host to this prestigious table tennis tournament. The qualifying rounds began on Tuesday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, setting the stage for intense competition and showcasing Lagos’s burgeoning reputation as a hub for international table tennis. The tournament’s return to Lagos underscores the city’s growing importance in the global table tennis landscape and the enthusiastic support it receives from local fans, solidifying its position as a key destination on the WTT Contender circuit. Prior to the commencement of the qualifying rounds, a press conference was held to formally announce the tournament and highlight its significance for both Lagos and the international table tennis community.
Wahid Oshodi, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and President of ITTF Africa, expressed his gratitude to World Table Tennis (WTT) for entrusting Lagos with hosting duties for the third time. He emphasized the tournament’s role in placing Lagos on the global table tennis map, crediting the passionate local fans for creating an electric atmosphere that sets the WTT Contender Lagos apart. Oshodi also highlighted the increasing level of competition, attracting top players from around the world and raising the tournament’s overall profile within the WTT Series. This sentiment was echoed by other key figures involved in the event’s organization, further reinforcing the tournament’s upward trajectory and its positive impact on the sport both within Nigeria and across the African continent.
Maher Ben Ahmed, the event supervisor, noted the significant international representation at this year’s WTT Contender Lagos, with athletes hailing from Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. This diverse participation underscores the tournament’s growing global appeal and its status as a highly anticipated event within the WTT Series. It signifies the success of the LOC in establishing a world-class tournament that draws players from across continents, fostering competition at the highest level and contributing to the growth of table tennis as a truly global sport. The presence of athletes from four continents is a testament to the tournament’s growing popularity. The tournament’s rising status has been solidified through the participation of athletes from four continents.
Loh Yuan Yee, the event manager, echoed Ahmed’s sentiments, attributing the tournament’s continued presence on the WTT calendar to its popularity among players. He praised the LOC for their meticulous efforts in ensuring a seamless and professionally run event, contributing to the positive experience for the participating athletes. This dedication to quality has been instrumental in building the tournament’s reputation and attracting a high caliber of players year after year. Yee’s commendation of the LOC reinforces the importance of strong organizational support in delivering a high-quality tournament experience for players and spectators alike.
Kweku Tandoh, the event director, reiterated the LOC’s commitment to not only meeting but exceeding WTT’s expectations, promising continued growth for the tournament in terms of both scale and quality. This commitment to improvement reflects the LOC’s ambition to further elevate the WTT Contender Lagos within the global table tennis landscape and to solidify its position as a premier event on the WTT circuit. Tandoh’s statement reflects a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing the ongoing development and enhancement of the tournament in years to come.
Ishaku Tikon, the president of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in African table tennis and emphasized how the annual WTT Contender Lagos has significantly raised the standard of the sport across the continent. This tournament serves as a platform for showcasing African talent on a global stage and inspires aspiring table tennis players across the continent. The event’s impact extends beyond the tournament itself, contributing to the development and growth of table tennis in Africa as a whole. The WTT Contender Lagos serves as a catalyst for promoting the sport and fostering its development throughout the African continent.
With a prize pool of $100,000, the WTT Contender Lagos 2025 promises thrilling matches and world-class competition. The tournament not only provides a platform for elite athletes to showcase their skills but also contributes to the development and promotion of table tennis globally, particularly within Africa. This combination of high-stakes competition and international participation establishes the WTT Contender Lagos as a significant event on the global sporting calendar. The substantial prize pool, combined with the high level of competition, ensures the WTT Contender Lagos attracts top talent and provides a platform for showcasing world-class table tennis.
