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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Egypt reaffirmed its dominance in African table tennis as Omar Assar and Hana Goda shattered records at the 2025 ITTF Africa Championships held in Tunis on Wednesday, October 15.

Assar clinched his fifth Men’s Singles title, becoming the first player in history to reach that milestone, while 17-year-old Goda became the youngest African ever to win three consecutive Women’s Singles titles — cementing her status as the continent’s brightest rising star.

The men’s final delivered high drama as Assar battled compatriot Youssef Abdelaziz in a gripping contest that showcased the best of African table tennis. Assar twice came from behind to win, displaying trademark resilience and mental fortitude.

Reflecting on his triumph, the five-time champion said:

“This final reminded me of my roller-coaster matches with Aruna, where I had to come back from 3-1 down. Today, I stayed focused and kept telling myself not to give up — I needed this badly. I’m proud to win my fifth title, marking my 14th singles title in Africa. I hope to make it to 15 soon.”

In contrast, Goda dominated her final, sweeping Dina Meshref 4-0 in under an hour to retain her crown in emphatic fashion.

“Winning this year’s title wasn’t easy — it was mentally tough,” she said. “The scoreline might look simple, but the match was intense. I’m proud to become the first African woman to win three consecutive singles titles.”

Egypt’s supremacy extended beyond the singles events as they swept all three doubles titles — Mixed, Women’s, and Men’s — to complete a clean sweep in Tunis.

In the Mixed Doubles final, defending champions Youssef Abdelaziz and Mariam Alhodaby retained their crown with a straight-sets victory over compatriots Mostafa Badr and Marwa Alhodaby (11-4, 11-7, 11-9).

The newly formed pairing of Dina Meshref and Hana Goda captured the Women’s Doubles title, defeating the Alhodaby twins, Mariam and Marwa, 3-1 (11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 11-4). The duo had previously reached the final at the WTT Contender Lagos in July.

In the Men’s Doubles, Abdelaziz added to his medal haul by teaming up with Mohamed El-Beiali to beat Algeria’s Bella Maheidine and Jellouli Milhane 3-1 (11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 11-2) in a lively encounter.

With record-breaking performances and a clean sweep of titles, Egypt once again underscored its status as Africa’s undisputed table tennis powerhouse.

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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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