Two of Africa’s most decorated table tennis icons, Nigeria’s Segun Toriola and Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh, have reunited on the sidelines of the 2025 ITTF Africa Championships in Tunis — not as rivals, but as mentors shaping the continent’s future stars.

Between them, the pair boast five African Championships singles titles — Saleh with three (2000, 2007, 2010) and Toriola with two (1998, 2002). Both also finished runners-up twice — Toriola in 1992 and 1994, and Saleh in 2015 and 2018. Today, they have traded rackets for clipboards, leading their respective national teams as head coaches.

Toriola, a four-time African Games gold medallist and one of Nigeria’s most accomplished athletes, fondly recalled his debut at the continental championships more than three decades ago.

“I remember it clearly — it was after the 1991 African Games in Cairo that I made my debut at the African Championships in 1992,” he said. “Back then, every country had top-quality players, and the competition was fierce.”

Now coaching from the bench, Toriola admits the transition from player to coach brings its own emotional test.

“It’s not easy being a coach, especially when you’re watching your player face someone you know you could beat, even at my age,” he joked. “Sometimes I feel like jumping back into action, but age won’t allow that.”

For Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh, the coaching role represents a lifelong dream fulfilled. A three-time African champion and one of the continent’s most consistent performers, Saleh now leads Egypt’s senior team and also helps nurture young talents in the junior ranks.

“When I was a player, I always dreamed of becoming a coach — to pass on my experience and knowledge,” he said. “Now, being with the senior national team allows me to live that dream and help shape the future of Egyptian table tennis.”

Saleh made his African Championships debut in 1994 in the doubles event, but his major breakthrough came in 2000 when he captured his first singles crown. Reflecting on the evolution of the sport, he observed:

“Back in our day, rivalries were intense, and we played cautiously, waiting for the right moment to attack. Today’s players are aggressive from the first ball. The tactics have changed, and I’m still adapting to this new style.”

Coaching alongside his longtime rival and friend, Saleh described the experience in Tunis as deeply meaningful.

“It’s special to be here with Toriola. For the young players, it’s a unique opportunity to learn from two people who’ve lived the game at the highest level,” he said.

As both legends now guide their nations from the sidelines, their enduring partnership in Tunis symbolizes the passing of the torch — from two of Africa’s greatest players to the next generation of champions.

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Chief Executive Officer of Green White Green Sports Center Limited, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Nigerian sports by hosting Team Nigeria to a special dinner at the ongoing ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis.

Gara-Gombe visited the Rades Multi-Sports Complex, venue of the continental event, where he shared a hearty meal with the athletes and officials as part of his efforts to motivate them to excel in the competition.

“As a proud Nigerian, I’m deeply invested in the success of our teams across all sports,” Gara-Gombe said. “This table tennis team holds a special place in my heart. Seeing these young men and women represent our country inspires me to support and encourage them.”

He explained that his gesture was aimed at boosting the morale of the players. “I’ve visited the venue twice to cheer them on, and I felt they needed an extra boost of motivation.

“That’s why I decided to host them for a meal—to lift their spirits and help them give their best for Nigeria. I’m truly impressed by their discipline and the way they’ve conducted themselves under the guidance of our legend, Segun Toriola. This is my humble token of support, and I wish them success in all their matches.”

In appreciation, President of ITTF Africa, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, described Gara-Gombe’s visit and gesture as a morale booster for the entire Nigerian contingent.

“We sincerely thank Mr. Gara-Gombe for taking the time to visit the team over the past two days, cheering them on and encouraging them,” Oshodi said. “His generous act of hosting the team to a delightful meal in Tunis is both inspiring and uplifting. He has proven himself to be a true friend of table tennis and a passionate supporter of sports in general.”

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Battle-tested veterans and eager debutants from across the continent have converged on the coastal city of Tunis, Tunisia, for the 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships — one of Africa’s most prestigious table tennis tournaments and a key fixture on the international calendar.

The atmosphere in Tunis is electric as Africa’s finest paddlers prepare to compete for continental glory, world-ranking points, and qualification opportunities for upcoming global events. For some, it is a familiar battleground; for others, a dream debut on the big stage.

Among the excited newcomers is Congo Brazzaville’s Thomie Mossemba, who expressed pride and anticipation ahead of her first appearance.

“I’m here to learn from some of the best players in Africa, who are also among the best in the world,” she said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to represent my country, and I hope to gain valuable experience and win some matches.”

Angola’s Kailane De Sousa, participating in her third continental championship, said she hopes to build on her past performances and target medals this time.

“There’s no doubt this is a gathering of Africa’s elite, and many of them are world-class. I hope to return home with medals this year and hopefully be part of the team heading to London in 2026,” she remarked.

Cameroon’s Enjema Moussa was brimming with enthusiasm, describing the tournament as a dream come true.

“This is my first international tournament after our team won gold at the regional championships in Kinshasa. I’m thrilled to meet stars like Hana Goda, Omar Assar, and Dina Meshref — though I’m sad Quadri Aruna isn’t here. I’ll leave with a wealth of experience and aim to win some matches,” he said.

From Ghana, Ernest Quavcod reflected on the long journey that led him to the Tunis stage.

“It’s been a long road to make the national team, especially after competing at the last African Games. I’m honoured to be here and want to repay the faith placed in me,” he said.

Uganda’s Joshua Magaya shared a similar sense of gratitude and determination.

“I’m so thankful for this rare opportunity. I want to give my best and solidify my place in the national team,” he said.

For Nigeria, rising teenage star Favour Ojo is eager to make her mark.

“It’s a great honour to be part of this team. I hope we qualify for the World Championships in London 2026. Beyond that, I want to win matches and help my team reach the podium here in Tunis,” she said.

As competition intensifies in Tunis, the ITTF-Africa Championships continues to highlight the continent’s growing strength in world table tennis — blending youthful ambition with seasoned experience, all united by a shared passion for the sport.

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