Youngsters ignite Lagos for 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships
As the Festival of Table Tennis continues, Lagos is playing host to over 150 young talents from across the continent at the 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships. The event served off on Sunday, July 27, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Speaking at the press briefing held on Sunday, July 27, ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi described the tournament as a showcase of the continent’s finest young table tennis talents. He noted that many of the participants possess skills that rival those of Africa’s current senior players.
“I’m thrilled that we’ll witness such high-level play from the best young talents across Africa. This generation is arguably the most gifted we’ve seen, and they represent the future of African table tennis. Players like Quadri Aruna and Omar Assar have made us proud globally, and now we get to see their potential successors. Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh, now coaching the national team, is here in Lagos, and I believe we’re in for an unforgettable tournament. Talents like Wassim Essid, who has competed at the highest levels, are just the beginning,” Oshodi said.
ITTF Africa Deputy President Alfred Bagueka praised Nigeria for hosting the event, highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a top-tier organiser of international table tennis competitions.
“Nigeria has proven to be a capable and passionate host, having successfully organised the West Regional tournament and the WTT Contender Lagos. The support from Lagos fans and the high standard of organisation will undoubtedly make this a memorable event. We also commend President Oshodi for his leadership in bringing major international events to Africa. Other nations should take inspiration from this,” Bagueka stated.
Competition Manager Menna Elzaabalawy confirmed that over 17 countries will be represented, with more than 150 players competing in 16 events across singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team categories.
“Nigeria’s experience in hosting international tournaments gives us confidence in a smooth and exciting championship. Players will compete in U-15 and U-19 categories, with team event winners qualifying for the World Youth Championships (WYC) in Romania later this year. Finalists in the singles events will also earn automatic WYC spots. This is the largest gathering of youth teams in Africa, and we anticipate thrilling matches over the next seven days,” she said.
ITTF Africa COO Kweku Tandoh emphasized the significance of Lagos hosting the event for the first time.
“This cements Lagos as the hub of table tennis in Africa. Following the AYC, we’ll also host the inaugural ITTF Africa Youth Cup—an initiative that could soon be adopted by ITTF globally,” he said.
Africa’s top-ranked U-19 player, Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, expressed his excitement about defending his title.
“I’m thrilled to be in Nigeria for the first time and eager to compete against Africa’s best. The energy and passion of Lagos fans make this a fantastic place to play,” he said.
Nigeria’s Tobi Adebakin and Favour Ojo also shared their enthusiasm, acknowledging the stiff competition expected from North African countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, as well as Uganda.
