Goda’s landmark achievement, recorded on Friday in Macao, China, also saw her equal the feat set by Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna, who became the first African to reach the last eight of the competition in 2014.

It has taken 12 years for Africa to produce another World Cup quarterfinalist, but Goda’s accomplishment carries even greater significance as she becomes both the first Egyptian and the first African woman to reach this stage of the tournament.

The 16-year-old announced her arrival in style during the group phase, dominating Group 14 with commanding 3-0 victories over Macao’s Leong On Na and Chinese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching to advance to the knockout rounds.

Her defining moment came in a thrilling round-of-16 clash against France’s Jia Nan Yuan. After narrowly losing the opening game 11-9, Goda showed remarkable composure to fight back and level the contest before taking the lead. The experienced French opponent responded to push the match into a decisive seventh game.

In a dramatic finale, Goda trailed 7-10 but mounted a stunning comeback, saving match points to win 13-11 and secure a historic victory. Overcome with emotion, she collapsed to the floor in celebration after sealing her place in the quarterfinals.

“It is a joy and feeling that I can’t describe,” Goda said after the match. “It was a very strong match… we arrived at 3-3, and in the last game I was down 7-10 but fought back to win 13-11. Our Lord is generous.”

She also paid tribute to her coach, Hisham Ismail, for his unwavering belief throughout the contest.

Goda’s breakthrough represents a significant milestone for African table tennis, particularly for women’s participation in the sport, and signals a promising future for the continent on the global stage.

Her next challenge, however, will be formidable, as she is set to face world No. 1 Sun Yingsha of China in the quarterfinals.

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The competition, scheduled from March 30 to April 5, carries historic significance as the International Table Tennis Federation celebrates 100 years of the sport’s global administration. A total of 48 men and 48 women will compete for the prestigious Evans and Hammarlund Cups.

Aruna, Africa’s most decorated player on the global stage and the only African to have reached the World Cup quarterfinals—achieved in 2014 in Düsseldorf—has been drawn in Group 6 alongside Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar and Japan’s Sora Matsushima. The Nigerian will open his campaign on Monday against Pucar in what is expected to be a crucial tie in a tightly contested group.

Other African representatives also face formidable opposition. Egypt’s Omar Assar is placed in Group 5 with Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Jun-Yu. Meanwhile, Algeria’s debutant Stephane Ouaiche faces a stern test against France’s Simon Gauzy and China’s Wen Ruibo in Group 15.

In the women’s event, Africa’s hopes rest on a mix of youth and experience. Egypt’s rising star Hana Goda, the reigning African champion, will compete in Group 14 against Chinese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching and Macao’s Leong On Na, as she aims to improve on her last-16 finish in 2025.

Veteran Dina Meshref faces one of the toughest assignments in the tournament, drawn in Group 1 alongside China’s world number one Sun Yingsha and Lin Yu-Jhun.

Also in action, Egypt’s Mariam Alhodaby will take on Germany’s Sabine Winter and Wales’ Anna Hursey in Group 12. At the same time, Algeria’s teenage prospect Tania Morice makes her debut in Group 16 against Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi and Romania’s Bernadette Szocs.

This year’s tournament introduces a significant format change, with Stage 1 group matches to be played as best-of-five games, increasing the intensity and leaving little margin for error. Only group winners will progress to the knockout stage, setting the stage for high-stakes encounters throughout the week.

With a difficult draw across both the men’s and women’s events, Africa’s representatives will need to deliver top-level performances to advance in what promises to be one of the most competitive editions in the tournament’s history.

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The historic appointment was announced during the ITTF Executive Board meeting held on March 1, 2026, at the WTT Headquarters in Singapore.

Following the allocation of portfolios, ITTF President Petra Sörling and ITTF Executive Vice President Oshodi were nominated to represent the federation on the WTT Board. At the board’s subsequent meeting, Sörling was confirmed as Chair, succeeding former chairmen Liu Guoliang and Khalil Al-Mohannadi.

As the majority owner of WTT, the ITTF stated that it has a responsibility to ensure the commercial platform generates sustainable value for the sport and its 227 member associations worldwide. The latest appointments, according to the federation, reflect a renewed commitment to strengthening governance and strategic oversight of WTT.

Other members remaining on the board include Lei Zhenjian and Steve Dainton.

Speaking on her new role, Sörling emphasised the need for strong leadership and financial sustainability.

“The ITTF has always been the foundation on which table tennis thrives, and WTT is our instrument to take it further,” she said. “As Chair of the Board, I am here to ensure that WTT operates with profitability, governance, accountability, and long-term vision.”

Oshodi, who also serves as President of the African Table Tennis Federation, said his focus would be on building a solid governance structure for the organisation’s long-term development.

“Strong governance is what gives an organisation the structure to grow sustainably. I look forward to contributing to that work as the Board focuses on putting solid foundations in place for WTT’s long-term development,” he said.

His appointment represents a historic milestone as he becomes the first African to serve as a full director on the WTT Board.

Since its creation in 2019, WTT has transformed the professional landscape of table tennis with a modern and commercially driven structure aimed at elevating the sport globally.

Oshodi’s elevation also strengthens Africa’s voice in global sports governance. He first rose to prominence as President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, where he introduced reforms focused on governance, transparency, grassroots development and talent identification.

He later emerged as President of ITTF Africa, championing initiatives to expand the sport across the continent, improve coaching standards and create more international opportunities for African players.

His appointment to the WTT Board is widely regarded as both a personal achievement and a continental milestone, underscoring Africa’s growing influence in the governance and future direction of world table tennis.

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The six-day championship, scheduled to take place at the iconic Idera Multipurpose Hall, has grown into one of the most prestigious events on the country’s table tennis calendar.

Established in honour of the late Michael and Felicia Alabi, the annual tournament has evolved beyond its memorial origins to become a major platform for discovering and developing emerging talent while giving established players the opportunity to reaffirm their dominance.

Over the years, the competition has served as an important bridge between grassroots participation and elite performance, attracting players from across the country and helping to strengthen Nigeria’s table tennis pipeline.

The 2026 edition is expected to be the biggest yet, with more than 250 players from all 36 states of the federation set to converge on the Osun State town.

Participants will compete across several categories ranging from U-15 singles to veteran, para and deaf divisions, reflecting the tournament’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports.

Young prospects, experienced professionals, veterans, para-athletes and deaf athletes will compete side by side, creating a diverse and competitive environment that organisers say embodies the values of unity, resilience and excellence.

Beyond the competition itself, the tournament is also expected to attract coaches, scouts, administrators and table tennis enthusiasts from across Nigeria, reinforcing its growing reputation as a talent-development platform.

The influx of athletes and visitors is also anticipated to boost economic activity in the host community, with hotels, transport services and local businesses preparing to welcome guests during the week-long event.

Organisers believe the presence of top-level competition in the town will inspire young people in the community, giving them the opportunity to witness elite table tennis firsthand and potentially sparking interest in the sport among the next generation.

The event is supported by the Osun State Government, the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation and the Osun State Table Tennis Association.

As anticipation builds, fans and stakeholders are preparing for six days of intense competition, tactical brilliance and memorable moments when the 2026 Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament returns to Otan Ayegbaju next month.

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The governor gave the charge on Wednesday, February 18, during the board’s inauguration at Lagos House, Marina.

The LSSTF board is chaired by former Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development and current President of the International Table Tennis Federation Africa, Enitan Oshodi, while Olaposi Agunbiade will serve as Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer.

Other board members include Olabode Agoro, Adeniyi Adekoya, Gbolahan Onibuje, Jubril Gawat, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Olayemi Sarumi, Lekan Fatodu, Moshood Ajide and Engr. Ibrahim Adigun, Chairman of the Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas.

Focus on Institutions and Funding

Addressing the board, Sanwo-Olu urged members to leverage their professional expertise and networks to build a strong and enduring sports institution for Lagos.

“The mandate is straightforward — to support funding in sports and establish strong institutions for today and future generations,” the governor said. “I implore you to deploy resources into grassroots and school sports, and to enhance facilities across our divisions. This quasi-body can also reach out to the private sector, drawing on government experience to attract wider support.”

He stressed the importance of institutional strength and sustainable funding models in positioning Lagos as a leading sports hub.

Private Sector Partnership Key

In his remarks, Oshodi underscored the need to create sustainable funding pathways to support sports infrastructure and athlete development across the state.

“The Lagos State Government is spending a lot on sports, but in a megacity of over 20 million people, it is never enough,” he said. “We need facilities to support athletes, and the private sector’s involvement is crucial. With the capacity of this board, we are confident of securing that support.”

Oshodi added that while the board is focused on achieving immediate successes, its broader objective is to lay the foundation for long-term and sustainable sports development in Lagos.

The LSSTF was established to mobilise additional funding and partnerships to complement government investment in sports, with particular emphasis on youth development, infrastructure improvement and talent identification across the state’s divisions.

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Assar was imperious throughout the tournament, completing a flawless run without dropping a single set across six matches.

The Egyptian swept most of his opponents 3–0 or 4–0 and sealed the title with a commanding 4–0 victory (12–10, 11–8, 11–7, 11–7) over Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa in the final, successfully defending the crown he reclaimed in 2025. His triumph further cemented his status as the only male player to win the Africa Cup seven times.

Despite the defeat, Bouloussa enjoyed a historic campaign, becoming the first Algerian to reach the Africa Cup final. The 22-year-old produced one of the tournament’s standout performances in the semifinals, edging Nigeria’s five-time champion Quadri Aruna 4–3. Bouloussa is set to make his debut at the ITTF World Cup in Macao next month.

In the women’s singles, Goda—still the youngest-ever Africa Cup champion at just 14—was equally dominant. The Egyptian teenager brushed aside her compatriot and nine-time title holder Dina Meshref 4–0 (12–10, 11–3, 11–7, 11–9) in the final to retain her title and extend her unbeaten run on the continent.

Algeria’s teenage prodigy Tania Morice also emerged as one of the revelations of the competition. Building on her cadet title at the Africa Youth Championships in Lagos last year, Morice finished among the top four in Benghazi to secure her first ITTF World Cup ticket. She defeated experienced opponents, including Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello, Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana and Tunisia’s Abir Haj Salah en route to the semifinals.

Overwhelmed by her breakthrough, Morice described the achievement as “incredible,” adding that the support of her coaches, teammates and parents had been crucial to her rapid rise.

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Teenage prodigy Tania Morice, experienced left-hander Stéphane Ouaiche and surprise men’s semifinalist Mehdi Bouloussa all booked places among Africa’s representatives, marking a major milestone for Algerian table tennis.

Morice’s qualification capped a remarkable debut at the continental championship. Competing in the Africa Cup for the first time, the reigning African girls’ cadet champion swept through the group stage before sealing her World Cup ticket with a dominant 4–0 quarterfinal victory over Tunisia’s Abir Haj Salah.

The teenager had earlier announced her arrival with a stunning 3–1 upset of Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello, the fourth seed and 2022 Africa Cup runner-up, on the opening day of competition. She now heads to Macao for the biggest test of her burgeoning career.

Ouaiche’s qualification was equally significant. The France-based star, who last represented Algeria at the 2023 African Games in Ghana, finally ended a three-year wait imposed by ITTF nationality transfer regulations.

With the eligibility period completed, Ouaiche produced an emphatic run in Benghazi, topping his group before recording straight-games victories over Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo and Cameroon’s Ylane Batix. His qualification made him the only new face among Africa’s men’s representatives for the World Cup.

Bouloussa completed Algeria’s impressive haul with a major upset in the men’s singles semifinal, defeating Egypt’s third seed Youssef Abdelaziz 4–2 in a pulsating encounter. The result ensured Algeria will be represented by three players in Macao, underlining the country’s growing influence on the African table tennis scene.

Elsewhere, Africa’s established stars also secured their World Cup places. Egypt’s Hana Goda and Dina Meshref qualified once again, while Mariam Alhodaby earned her second appearance at the global showpiece after beating Nigeria’s Bello 4–1.

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna advanced with a commanding 4–0 win over Egyptian teenager Badr Mostafa, while defending Africa Cup champion Omar Assar eased past Tunisia’s Wassim Essid by the same scoreline.

The Africa Cup semifinals promise high drama. In the men’s singles, Assar will face Ouaiche, while Aruna meets Bouloussa for the first time. On the women’s side, Goda takes on compatriot Alhodaby, with Morice set for a daunting showdown against nine-time champion Meshref in what could be a defining moment in the young Algerian’s career.

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Teenage sensation Tania Morice of Algeria emerged as the standout performer, announcing her arrival on the continental stage in emphatic fashion. Competing in her first Africa Cup and unseeded, Morice produced a flawless group-stage display against vastly more experienced opponents.

Algeria’s Tana Morice

She stunned Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello, the 2022 runner-up, and Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana, seeded fourth and fifth respectively, recording commanding 3–1 victories in both encounters to top her group and secure a place in the women’s singles knockout round.

“I’m really glad to win,” Morice said after her breakthrough performances. “I had a good feeling because I believed I could win.”

In the men’s singles, Egypt’s reigning African Youth Champion Badr Mostafa also caught the eye with a gritty 3–2 victory over Tunisia’s Wassim Essid. The five-game battle tested the young Egyptian’s composure, but he credited experience and preparation for seeing him through.

“Thank God, I was able to win because Wassim is one of the best players in Africa,” Mostafa said. “The match was difficult, especially at the beginning, but I’ve worked hard, gained more experience, and that’s helped me perform better.”

Despite the early shocks, the tournament’s heavyweights ultimately asserted their authority. Top seeds Omar Assar, Quadri Aruna, Youssef Abdelaziz and Mehdi Bouloussa all advanced comfortably in the men’s singles.

On the women’s side, Egyptian trio Hana Goda, Dina Meshref and Mariam Alhodaby navigated the opening round without major alarms, brushing aside determined challenges from younger rivals.

Attention now turns to Day 2 on Sunday, February 8, as the intensity rises in Benghazi, with podium places and coveted qualification spots for the ITTF World Cup firmly in sight.

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The annual continental championship, which also serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 ITTF World Cup, is organised by ITTF Africa in collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation and hosted by the Libyan Table Tennis Federation at the iconic Al Nasr Sports Club.

Men’s top seed Assar arrives in Benghazi as the most successful player in Africa Cup history, having claimed six men’s singles titles in Yaoundé 2015, Nairobi 2018, Lagos 2019, Lagos 2022, Nairobi 2023 and Tunis 2025. His closest challenger, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna, has won five titles, including the 2024 edition in Kigali.

Assar has remained unbeaten at the Africa Cup since his semifinal defeat to Aruna in Tunis in 2020, going on to secure back-to-back victories in Lagos, Nairobi and Tunis. In Libya, he is expected to renew his rivalry with Aruna, while also facing a growing challenge from compatriot Youssef Abdelaziz, who continues to establish himself among Africa’s elite.

In the women’s singles, top seed Goda continues to build a remarkable career that began when she captured her first Africa Cup title at just 14 years old in Lagos 2022, becoming the youngest champion in the tournament’s history.

The Egyptian prodigy stumbled at the 2024 edition in Kigali, losing 4–0 in the semifinals to fellow Egyptian Mariam Alhodaby, but responded emphatically in Tunis 2025 by reclaiming the title with a victory over Dina Meshref, the competition’s most decorated player with nine titles.

Now 18, Goda is aiming to follow in Meshref’s footsteps by adding to her growing collection of continental honours. She will again face strong opposition from Meshref and Alhodaby, as well as Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello, a finalist at Lagos 2022. Tunisia’s Ela Saidi, who impressed at the 2025 edition, is also expected to be among the leading contenders.

With Africa’s top table tennis players converging on Benghazi, the 2026 ITTF Africa Cup is set to deliver intense competition and high drama. For Assar and Goda, the tournament represents more than another title defence—it is another opportunity to cement their legacies as the defining faces of African table tennis.

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For the first time in the sport’s history, Libya’s second-largest city will host a major continental table tennis championship, with the iconic Al-Nasr Sports Club set to stage the ITTF Africa Cup. The tournament brings together elite men’s and women’s players from across the continent, all chasing podium finishes and automatic qualification for the global showpiece in Macao.

The stakes are particularly high, as semifinalists in both the men’s and women’s singles events will secure direct tickets to next month’s World Cup, offering African stars a pathway to compete against the world’s best.

For the International Table Tennis Federation and its continental arm, ITTF Africa, the decision to stage the championship in Libya goes beyond competition, symbolising the sport’s growing reach and its unifying role across Africa.

President of ITTF Africa, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, commended the Libyan Table Tennis Federation for its commitment to hosting the event, describing the tournament as a celebration of both diversity and unity within the sport.

“Gatherings such as this celebrate both our diversity and our unity, defining what it means to be part of the table tennis family,” Oshodi said, while praising Libya’s enthusiasm in welcoming athletes, officials and fans from across the continent.

ITTF President Petra Sörling also highlighted the rising global profile of African table tennis, noting that the Africa Cup has become a strong reflection of the continent’s growing influence within the international game.

“Through sustained efforts in competition delivery, high-performance development and organisational capacity, African table tennis continues to strengthen its foundations and broaden its impact on the world stage,” Sörling said.

The 2025 edition of the Africa Cup carries added significance as table tennis approaches a historic milestone. Oshodi pointed to the centenary of the ITTF in 2026 and the World Team Championships scheduled for London as the culmination of a century of progress.

“The ITTF Africa Cup provides an invaluable opportunity for our players and teams to sharpen their preparations, foster competitive excellence and nurture the spirit of table tennis throughout the region,” he said.

Sörling, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee Executive Board, praised Libya’s boldness in hosting the event during such a landmark period, noting that Africa’s role within the global sporting movement continues to expand, with major milestones ahead, including preparations for the first-ever Youth Olympic Games to be staged on the continent.

Within that broader context, she added, the ITTF Africa Cup stands as both a celebration of African ambition and a clear statement of the continent’s confidence and future potential in the world of table tennis.

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