Table Tennis : Nigeria’s Mati Targets Team Glory in Tunis
After nearly three years away from the Nigerian national team, Mati Taiwo is back and his return couldn’t be more symbolic. As Nigeria prepares to defend its men’s team title at the 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis, to be held from 12-19 October.
Mati earned his place on the team through hard work, helped Nigeria to secure a men’s team victory and reached the semi-finals in singles at the 2025 West Africa Regional Championships in Lagos.
These performances were pivotal to his selection, including the ranking points he garnered at WTT Contender Lagos.
Now based in France and playing for league side Association tennis de table Le Havre, Mati has been rebuilding his form, helping his club in the French PRO B DIVISION and competing at various WTT events occasionally.
“I feel positive and more confident to be back,” he said. “I’ve been preparing really well for this tournament.”
Mati joins a familiar cast, including Muizz Adegoke, Kuti Matthew, and Abdulbasit AbdulFatai; teammates with whom he shares a successful spell during his youth-level days.
The squad will be captained by Olajide Omotayo, stepping up in the absence of Aruna Quadri, whose leadership was instrumental in last year’s men’s team triumph.
“We’ll miss Aruna. I checked up on him after hearing he withdrew. The confidence whenever he’s on the team and the less pressure we experience because of him. But we’ll still feel the captain’s spirit that we usually get from him. Nevertheless, we’ll always try our best to be positive, “ Mati admitted
Despite the challenge posed by perennial rivals Egypt, Mati believes in the strength and energy of the younger squad.
“We’re full of energy and can go a long way. I feel we can cause an upset,” echoed Mati
His optimism is matched by his praise for the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation’s recent investment in youth development, which he calls a “great development.
” That investment is now bearing fruit, and he hopes that if the momentum continues, it will birth even more generations of players ready to fly the flag higher on the international stage.
Taiwo’s return is a reflection of Nigeria’s growing depth in its current squad, boosting younger and developing talents ready to carry on the torch of Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.
