Nigeria’s participation at the 2025 World Youth Table Tennis Championships has been thrown into jeopardy after players of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) were denied entry visas to Romania, prompting the federation to file a formal petition to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

The development has sparked widespread concern in Nigeria’s table tennis community, especially as the affected athletes were scheduled to compete in one of the sport’s most prestigious global youth competitions.

In a strongly worded letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation condemned the visa refusal, describing it as a breach of the values of fairness, inclusivity and global cooperation that international sport is meant to uphold.

“As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,” Tayo wrote.

Nigeria had qualified to represent Africa in the boys’ U-19 and U-15 team events after emerging continental champions at the African Youth Championships in Lagos. The squad had undergone weeks of intensive preparation, only for the entire campaign to be derailed at the final hurdle.

The NTTF said the denial has not only affected the morale of the young players and their coaches but has also resulted in significant financial losses, with travel and accommodation already booked.

The federation emphasised that Nigeria should not bear any penalties arising from the team’s forced absence.

“Since our inability to participate is not a fault of NTTF, we hereby formally notify the ITTF and the host federation, Romania Table Tennis Federation, that NTTF will not be liable for any penalties or financial obligations arising from accommodation or hospitality reservations made in relation to this event,” the letter stated.

Tayo called on the ITTF to urgently intervene and ensure such situations do not recur, warning that the setback undermines Nigeria’s long-term plan to groom another generation of world-class table tennis stars.

The ITTF is yet to issue a public response.

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Nigeria and Egypt reaffirmed their status as Africa’s leading para table tennis nations after dominating the 2025 ITTF-Africa Para Championships, which concluded on Sunday, November 23, in Giza, Egypt.
The four-day event doubled as a qualifier for the 2026 World Championships in Bangkok, drawing elite competitors from across the continent, including Algeria, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Nigeria finished narrowly ahead of the hosts on the medals table, clinching six gold medals to Egypt’s five in a closely contested championship that showcased the depth of talent across multiple classes.

Paralympics bronze medallist Isau Ogunkunle spearheaded Nigeria’s impressive outing with a commanding performance in the Men’s Singles Classes 4–5, while compatriots Adesope Abiola Wali, Farinloye Victor, and Lawal Kehinde also struck gold in their respective singles categories.

Nigeria further asserted its dominance in the mixed doubles. Ogunkunle teamed up with Kate Oputa to win the Mixed Doubles Class 10 title, before Adesope Abiola Wali and Kehinde combined to clinch gold in the Mixed Doubles Classes 14–20 event.

Côte d’Ivoire also enjoyed a moment of brilliance, with Bayala Jean Pierre capturing a spirited silver medal in the singles, adding a competitive edge to the tournament.

Egypt’s challenge was powered by strong singles victories, including Ramadan Khaled’s win over compatriot Elmahsy Ahmed in the Men’s Singles Classes 1–3, alongside Youssef Sayed’s commanding triumph against Abdelmoneim Abousteit in the Men’s Singles Classes 6–7.
The hosts added more golds through Abdelwahab Abdelrahman and Mahmoud Faiza in the women’s Classes 1–5, underscoring their depth on home soil.

Egypt’s doubles pedigree was on full display on the final day as Sayed and Abdelrahman edged Nigeria’s pair Adesope Abiola Wali and Agunbiade Tajudeen in a thrilling 3–2 contest to seal the Men’s Doubles MD18 title.

Tournament Director Amr Fahmy praised the growing profile of the championship, describing the 2025 edition as a “resounding success.”

“The level of competition continues to rise, with more athletes participating each year,” Fahmy said. “We are hopeful that future editions will attract even greater participation, further enhancing the growth and stature of this championship.”

At the close of competition, eight qualification slots for Bangkok 2026 had already been secured. Additional slots will be determined next year through African rankings, ensuring broader continental representation in the global showpiece.

With Nigeria and Egypt leading the way, the 2025 ITTF-Africa Para Championships reaffirmed Africa’s growing strength in para table tennis and set the stage for an exciting build-up to the world championships in Thailand.

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Nigeria’s Wahid Enitan Oshodi has been re-elected as Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), following the continuation of the federation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held online on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

The election also brought good news for Nigeria as Olabanji Oladapo, former Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), was confirmed as a member of the ITTF Council after the ratification of new council members.

Oshodi—who serves as President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa)—secured his seat in the first round of voting, which featured 15 candidates from across the world. He finished among the top seven elected, joining representatives from the United States, China, Turkey, Australia, Ecuador, Romania, and Jordan. Of the three African candidates — Oshodi, Egypt’s Alaa Meshref, and South Africa’s Hajera Kajee — he was the only one elected to the eight-member Vice Presidential team.

He and China’s Liu Guoliang are the only returning members of the outgoing executive board. Six new officials will join the board for the 2025–2029 term under ITTF President Petra Sörling.

A respected sports administrator, lawyer, and civil engineer, Oshodi has long been central to the development of table tennis in Nigeria and across the continent. He served as Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development from 2011, overseeing the successful organisation of the 2012 National Sports Festival and driving several sports infrastructure projects.

As President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation from 2013, he championed youth development, improved international competitiveness, and hosted ITTF Challenger tournaments in Lagos. His rise in continental governance began with his election as ITTF Africa Vice President (Western Region) in 2016, before becoming ATTF Deputy President in 2021 and ultimately its President in 2024.

Oshodi’s re-election ensures Africa retains a strong voice within the ITTF leadership, as he continues his work to broaden access, strengthen development pathways, and elevate the sport on the global stage.

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