The 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships have erupted in a dazzling display of talent and energy at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

With fierce rallies and passionate performances, the tournament is living up to its billing as one of the region’s premier table tennis showcases.

As the event reaches a crucial stage, anticipation is building for the finals of the team events, scheduled for Thursday, July 17.

Nigeria’s national teams, buoyed by home support and their deep bench of talent, have once again emerged as dominant forces on the court.

The Nigerian men’s team—comprising Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai—delivered commanding performances to top Group 1. After securing a walkover win against Liberia, the trio returned to post a 3-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire, led by the talented Oba Oba Kizito. Their unbeaten run earned them a well-deserved spot in the semifinals and reaffirmed Nigeria’s dominance in the sub-region.

In Group 2, the battle remains wide open, with Ghana, Togo, Guinea, and Benin Republic engaged in tightly contested matches.

At press time, the group standings were still undecided, with each team vying for a semifinal berth in what has been a hotly competitive section.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Audrey Diama and Eve Ndah may not have reached the podium in the women’s team event, but their spirited showing and technical skill won them admiration.

 Their performance highlighted the emerging talent from the Ivorian camp and suggested a promising future for West African women’s table tennis.

The tournament kicked off in grand style with a vibrant opening ceremony, including a colourful march-past and speeches from regional sports dignitaries.

Teams from Ghana, Benin Republic, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Liberia, and Burkina Faso added flair and cultural diversity to the occasion.

Vice President of ITTF Africa West, Ferdinand Sonou, extended heartfelt appreciation to Nigeria and the Lagos State Government for hosting the championship.

“I would like to warmly thank the Nigerian authorities, the Lagos State authorities, and the entire organizing committee for their tremendous effort and unwavering commitment to making this event a success,” Sonou said.

He added, “These championships are more than just a sporting competition. They are a celebration of unity, diversity, and sportsmanship—values that lie at the heart of the West African Table Tennis Organization.”

President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Ishaku Tikon—represented by Secretary General Olusoji Akanmu—echoed this sentiment in his welcome address.

He acknowledged Lagos State’s continued support and reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting table tennis throughout West Africa.

With electrifying rallies, high-stakes matches, and a strong sense of regional camaraderie, the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships continue to serve as a beacon for sporting excellence in the sub-region.

All eyes now turn to the team finals, where national pride and continental glory will be on the line. 

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The quest for West African table tennis supremacy officially gets underway today, Wednesday, July 16, as top players from across the region gather at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, for the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships.

The prestigious four-day tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, will see fierce contests in both team and singles events, with national pride and continental tickets at stake.

Host nation Nigeria, historically the dominant force in West African table tennis, will look to reassert its supremacy after a shock 3-2 defeat to Togo in the men’s team final of the 2024 edition in Lomé.

This year, Nigeria’s men’s squad features a formidable lineup including Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, Muiz Adegoke, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and Matthew Fabunmi — all determined to reclaim regional bragging rights on home soil.

The Togolese, however, are not to be underestimated. Their star player, U.S.-based Kokou Fanny, returns alongside rising talents Atarou Assou and Kossi Akakpo, with hopes of repeating last year’s upset and cementing their status as emerging contenders.

Côte d’Ivoire, another strong challenger, will be led by veteran Oba Oba Kizito, the inaugural regional champion. Now based in Paris, Kizito is chasing a long-awaited gold medal after four consecutive near-misses in past tournaments.

On the women’s side, Nigeria remains the team to beat despite the absence of reigning singles champion Hope Udoaka. Team captain and veteran player Ajoke Ojomu will lead a youthful squad featuring Aishat Rabiu and Aziza Sezuo, both of whom are eager to make their mark and retain the title for Nigeria.

The championship’s team finals are scheduled for Thursday, July 17, while the much-anticipated singles finals will take place on Saturday, July 19, bringing the tournament to a dramatic close.

With reputations on the line and Kigali qualification at stake, the next four days in Lagos promise high-octane rallies, regional rivalries, and unforgettable table tennis drama.

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Defending champions Nigeria and Togo are gearing up to retain their titles at the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 19 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Nigeria, the region’s most decorated team, will defend its women’s team title, which it retained in Lomé last year. Meanwhile, Togo will aim to secure a second consecutive men’s team title, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nigeria in the 2024 final.

This year’s championship will feature strong competition from across the region, with Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Niger Republic, and Sierra Leone joining the fray.

In the singles events, Nigeria’s top-ranked player, Matthew Kuti, will defend his men’s singles title. Kuti made history last year in Lomé by defeating Côte d’Ivoire’s Oba Oba Kizito 4-1 to claim his first regional crown. A repeat victory would make him the first male player to win back-to-back singles titles in the tournament’s history.

The women’s singles title is open for the taking following the absence of reigning champion Hope Udoaka of Nigeria, setting the stage for a new champion to emerge.

The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships, to be held later this year in Rwanda. With the advantage of home support and the largest player contingent, Nigeria is also eyeing a return to the top in the men’s team event.

Participation has reached a new high, with over 10 countries confirmed, surpassing previous editions that peaked at nine. Notably, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Niger Republic are returning to the competition after years of absence.

“All eyes will be on Nigeria,” said Ferdinand Sonou, Vice President of ITTF Africa West Region and former President of the Benin Table Tennis Federation. “Nigeria has a proven track record of hosting international competitions, and teams always look forward to playing here. This tournament marks the beginning of a series of international events in Lagos, and I believe we’ll witness the emergence of new stars alongside the established ones.”

Sonou also commended ITTF Africa President Wahid Enitan Oshodi for his continued support, noting that the increased number of participating teams reflects the growing strength of table tennis in the region.

The 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships promise high-stakes action, intense rivalries, and a celebration of West African table tennis excellence.

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