Nigeria and Egypt have secured their places at the 2025 World Youth Championships (WYC) in Romania after emerging victorious in the U-19 team events at the ongoing ITTF African Youth Championships, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

In the boys’ U-19 category, Nigeria staged a dramatic comeback in the semifinals, overturning a 0-2 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2. The final proved even more intense, as the hosts battled defending champions Tunisia in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. Despite Tunisia’s star player, Wassim Essid, claiming two hard-fought 3-2 victories over Matthew Kuti and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, Nigeria held their nerve.

In the decisive match, Abdulfatai delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Mohamed Khaloufi to seal the title and mark Nigeria’s return to continental glory after missing the 2024 edition. Algeria and Egypt claimed bronze medals for their efforts.

In the girls’ U-19 final, Egypt reaffirmed its dominance with a commanding 3-0 win over Nigeria to claim its fourth consecutive team title and the sole continental ticket to the WYC.

Team captain Mariam Younes led the charge with a 3-0 victory over Aishat Rabiu, followed by Habiba Elbasoumy’s equally dominant 3-0 win against Favour Ojo. In the final match, Kabirat Ayoola put up a spirited fight, taking a game off Nour Zaki, but the Egyptian held firm to win 3-1 and complete the sweep.

Reflecting on the win, Younes said: “The fans were loud, and I think this year was the toughest for us. But we’re happy to have qualified for the WYC in Romania. This is my final year as a U-19 athlete, and I hope to retain my singles title as well.”

Madagascar and South Africa settled for bronze in the girls’ U-19 event.

Meanwhile, in the U-15 girls’ category, Uganda made history by winning its first-ever continental gold medal. The East African side came from 1-2 down to defeat Tunisia 3-2 in a gripping final.

Africa Hopes Week and Challenge champion Patience Anyango emerged as the hero, edging Tunisia’s Mariam Brahimi 3-2 in the deciding match to secure Uganda’s maiden team title at the African Youth Championships. Former champions Egypt and Algeria finished with bronze medals.

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The city of Lagos is abuzz with excitement as it hosts over 150 of Africa’s most promising young table tennis players for the 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships. The week-long tournament officially served off on Sunday, July 27, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.

At the opening press briefing, ITTF Africa President, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, described the event as a platform to showcase the next generation of African stars. “This generation is arguably the most gifted we’ve seen,” Oshodi declared.

“Many of these players already exhibit qualities that match our current senior players. With legends like Quadri Aruna and Omar Assar paving the way, we now witness their successors stepping up. The presence of former champion and now coach Ahmed Saleh of Egypt underlines the quality we have on display.”

The tournament, which features Under-15 and Under-19 categories, will see participants competing in singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team events. Winners of the team competitions will qualify for the World Youth Championships in Romania later this year, while the singles finalists will also earn automatic berths.

Deputy President of ITTF Africa, Alfred Bagueka, commended Nigeria’s organisational capabilities. “Nigeria continues to prove itself as a world-class host, having recently staged the West African Regional event and WTT Contender Lagos. The passion of the Lagos fans and the expertise of the organisers will surely make this championship a memorable one.”

According to Competition Manager, Menna Elzaabalawy, players from over 17 African countries are represented in what is the largest gathering of youth table tennis teams on the continent. “We are expecting high-level competition throughout the week. Nigeria’s track record gives us every confidence in a smooth, exciting championship.”

Chief Operating Officer of ITTF Africa, Kweku Tandoh, added that Lagos’ hosting of the African Youth Championships for the first time further confirms its status as Africa’s table tennis hub. “This is historic. And to cap it off, Lagos will also host the inaugural ITTF Africa Youth Cup, an initiative we hope will soon be embraced by the global body.”

Among the top stars expected to shine is Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, Africa’s highest-ranked U-19 player, who expressed delight at competing in Nigeria for the first time. “The energy in Lagos is amazing. I’m excited to defend my title against some of Africa’s best.”

Nigeria’s hopefuls, including Tobi Adebakin and Favour Ojo, are equally eager to rise to the challenge. “We know North African countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria will bring their best, but we’re ready to give our all,” Adebakin said.

With fierce competition expected and international spots on the line, Lagos looks set for a thrilling week of top-tier table tennis action.

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The main draw of the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos got off to a dramatic start on Thursday. Fireworks and a major upset lit up the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

 In a shocking turn of events, Japan’s Hina Hayata, the women’s top seed, faced an unexpected defeat. She was knocked out in her opening match. This sent ripples through the $100,000 prize money tournament.

The surprise of the day came from India’s Sreeja Akula. She is the defending women’s singles champion. Akula produced a flawless performance to dispatch Hayata in straight sets, 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-3). Many are already calling this one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

“I was well-prepared for the match, even though it was my first time playing against her,” said Akula. “She’s the top-ranked player, but I didn’t focus on rankings. I just concentrated on my game, and I’m happy with how I played.”

Akula, seeded ninth, made history last year. She became the first Indian to win a WTT title. She clinched both the women’s singles and doubles in Lagos.

She credited her success to the city itself. “Lagos has been a good hunting ground for me, and I’m really happy to be back,” she said. “Being the defending champion gives me a lot of confidence.”

Meanwhile, Egypt’s teenage sensation Hana Goda also made headlines with a gritty comeback victory.

The 17-year-old won her first continental title in Lagos in 2022. She overcame India’s Roy Krittwika 3-1 (8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7) to reach the round of 16. She will face Yi-Tian Yeh of Chinese Taipei.

“My opponent played better than I expected, and I was a bit shocked at the beginning,” said Goda. “I’m glad I managed to turn things around, although I’m not satisfied with my performance. Facing Yi-Tian again brings back childhood memories — maybe this time I can get my revenge.”

Goda, the tournament’s third seed, was visibly thrilled to return to Lagos. “I love being here. I have many friends and always feel supported. Lagos is where I won my first African title, so it holds a special place in my heart.”

Egypt’s veteran and former African champion Dina Meshref also cruised through her opening match to secure a place in the second round, maintaining her status as one of the continent’s most consistent performers.

With top seeds falling and young stars rising, WTT Contender Lagos 2025 is already living up to its billing as a thrilling showcase of international table tennis

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