Why Nigeria was Chosen to Host 2027 ITTF Para Championships–Bankole
Chairman of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa, Para Commission, Anderson Bankole, said Nigeria’s sporting reputation, organisational capacity and Paralympics success helped secure Lagos the right to host the 2027 ITTF Africa Para championships.
He Attributed Nigeria’s successful bid to host the tournament to the confidence African Table Tennis stakeholders have in the country’s ability to organize World Class international competitions.
Nigeria secured the hosting right at the ITTF Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM ) in Tangier, Morocco to become the first country outside North Africa to host the continental Para Table Tennis Championship.
The 2027 competition holding in Lagos will serve as a qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, giving Nigerian athletes the opportunity to compete on home soil while welcoming Para Table Tennis players from across the continent.
According to Anderson Bankole, a retired Commissioner of Police, delegates at the meeting endorsed Nigeria’s bid due to the country’s capability to deliver a successful championship and showcase it’s athletes to the continent.
” Delegates at the AGM believe in Nigeria’s capability to host a befitting tournament. Egypt has traditionally hosted several continental competitions, but this championship will give Nigeria the opportunity to showcase it’s athletes and warmly welcome the rest of Africa to Lagos,” he said.
Egypt is expected to host the 2026 edition before Nigeria takes centre stage in 2027, giving the country an opportunity to strengthen it’s preparations for the Paralympic qualification campaign.
