The city of Tunis, Tunisia, is set to come alive from October 12 to 19 as the continent’s top table tennis talents gather for the 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships — a week-long festival of skill, passion, and continental pride.

Athletes from all corners of Africa — East, West, North, Central, and South — have converged on the Tunisian capital, each vying not only for continental glory but also for qualification spots at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom.

Although Nigeria’s top-ranked star Quadri Aruna is a notable absentee, the competition still boasts a glittering field featuring Egypt’s Omar Assar, Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa, Tunisia’s own Wassim Essid, Egypt’s teenage sensation Hana Goda, Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo, and France-based Beninese player Abdel-Kader Salifou.

The atmosphere in Tunis is charged with excitement, unity, and anticipation — a sentiment shared by both organizers and participants.

President of the Tunisia Table Tennis Federation (TTTF), Samir Khelif, expressed pride in the nation’s role as host:

“We’re honoured to be chosen once again to host this championship and deeply appreciate the trust of ITTF Africa. As always, we aim to provide warm hospitality and a vibrant atmosphere for all our guests.”

Similarly, ITTF Africa President Wahid Enitan Oshodi lauded Tunisia’s swift and selfless decision to step in after Rwanda’s withdrawal.

“We’re immensely grateful to the people of Tunisia for their unwavering support,” Oshodi said. “Their readiness to host on short notice speaks volumes about their commitment to the sport. This championship is all about the players, and Tunisia has created the perfect environment for them to shine.”

With youthful enthusiasm and home pride driving them, Tunisia’s emerging stars are eager to test their mettle against Africa’s elite — determined to show that the future of African table tennis can thrive on Tunisian soil.

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President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has expressed strong optimism ahead of this year’s ITTF-Africa Championships, saying the event will showcase some of the continent’s best talents in peak form.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, which runs from October 12 to 19 at the Rades Multisports Hall in Tunis, Oshodi praised the Tunisian Table Tennis Federation (FTTT) for stepping up to host after Rwanda’s late withdrawal, describing the North African nation as a reliable partner with a proven record of organizing world-class events.

“There’s no doubt this year’s tournament will be fiercely contested, especially given the current form of our players and the emergence of talented youth athletes,” Oshodi said.

He highlighted the growing strength of young African players, many of whom featured at the recent Youth Tournaments in Lagos, noting that several of them have now broken into their national senior teams for the continental showpiece.

“We’re particularly thrilled that many junior players who featured at the recent Youth Tournaments in Lagos have earned spots on their national teams for Tunis. This shows they’re maturing and ready to challenge the veterans,” he explained. “I expect upsets in Tunis and look forward to seeing some of these young stars rise to the top.”

The 2024 ITTF-Africa Championships also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London, an edition that will mark the centenary of the sport, returning to the city where both the International Table Tennis Federation and the first World Championships were founded in 1926.

Oshodi noted that while emerging stars are expected to light up the competition, the experience of established players will bring depth and drama to the tournament.

“We must also acknowledge the experience of our established players, which will make the tournament even more exciting,” he said. “The atmosphere in Tunis will rival any global event. Tunisia is a seasoned host with a strong track record, and we’re eager for the tournament to kick off on October 12.”

The team event, which doubles as a qualification pathway for London 2026, is expected to be one of the major highlights, with top-ranked African nations such as Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria among the favourites.

This year’s championship promises high-stakes action across seven categories: men’s team, women’s team, men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

Over eight days of competition, Africa’s finest will battle for continental supremacy, ranking points, and a chance to represent the continent on the world stage.

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The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has elected Dr. Adesoji Tayo as its new president following the conclusion of the federation’s elective congress held in Abuja on Saturday, October 4.

Dr. Tayo, who previously served as Vice President of the federation, succeeds Ishaku Tikon, whose eight-year tenure came to an end after steering the affairs of Nigerian table tennis through two terms.

Chairman of the Oyo State Table Tennis Association, Dr. Tayo emerged unopposed after his main challenger, Khamisu Ahmed from Gombe State, stepped down and was subsequently named the new Vice President.

With his election, Dr. Tayo joins the growing ranks of passionate table tennis enthusiasts who have taken leadership roles in the sport’s administration.

 He is expected to bring renewed energy and direction to the NTTF over the next four years, building on the developmental strides achieved under his predecessor.

The new leadership is anticipated to focus on grassroots development, international competitiveness, and strengthening state associations to sustain Nigeria’s rich legacy in the sport.

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