ITTF World Championship: Nigeria suffer consecutive losses, as Egypt restores African pride

Nigeria have suffered consecutive 3-0 losses to Japan and Chinese Taipei in Group 5 of the ongoing World Championships in Busan, South Korea.

The absence of Quadri Aruna, sidelined by a stomach bug has added to the challenges but Omotayo Olajide and Bode Abiodun will carry on the flag, aiming to finish strong.

However at a time when all the men’s teams from Africa are yet to record a win at the championship, the Egyptian women’s team recorded the continent’s first win after a convincing 3-1 win over Czech Republic.

It was Dina Meshref who led the onslaught for Egypt after taking down Zdena Blaskova 3-0. Hana Goda fought from behind against Hana Matelova but her efforts could not prevent her from going down to the Czech at 3-2.

Mariam Alhodaby restored Egypt’s lead with a 3-1 win over Katerina Tomanovska while Meshref returned to finish up what she started with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Matelova to hand Egypt and Africa the first win of the competition.

Egyptian ladies hope to continue their good run when they take on France in their second group match on Sunday, February, 18 at the Bexco Arena in Busan.

Nigeria will take on Germany while South Africa will confront Japan. Algeria will play their third group match against Thailand on Monday, February 19.

The world’s strongest teams are facing off to win two of the sport’s most coveted prizes; the Swaythling and Corbillon Cups.

This marks Korea Republic’s first-ever hosting of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships finals, a long-awaited milestone that provides a unique experience for fans and a chance to celebrate Korea Republic’s place in table tennis history.

The first World Table Tennis Championships were held in London in 1926 and since 1957 has been held biennially.

The Championships were first staged as their own competition in 2000.