Table Tennis
Nigeria, Iraq Dazzle at 2024 Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open
Hosts Nigeria and Iraq each claimed six gold medals, dominating the 2024 Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open, which concluded on Saturday, November 9, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
The ITTF Factor 20 tournament, held from November 7 to 9, featured competitors from the United Kingdom, Iraq, Iran, Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, participating in both singles and doubles events. Organized by the Sunday Odebode Foundation in collaboration with the Para Division of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and sponsored by ValueJet, this year’s tournament exceeded expectations.
Despite Nigeria’s strong performance throughout the tournament, the final day saw the visiting Iraqi team take center stage. The highlight was Muntadher Al Sarraji’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Paris 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medalist Isau Ogunkunle in the Men’s Singles Class 3-4 final. The match, witnessed by African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Deputy Alfred Bagueka, and Chairman of ValueJet Airlines Kunle Soname, ended with Al Sarraji silencing the home crowd with a 13-11 win in the deciding game.
In total, Nigeria and Iraq each secured six gold medals from the 12 events contested. The organizers have promised an even bigger tournament next year.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised the athletes for their remarkable performances and pledged continued support for the tournament and its participants. “Our athletes continue to break boundaries, proving that physical limitations cannot constrain the boundless potential within each individual. This tournament is not only a celebration of skill and competition but also an inspiring reminder of the strength, resilience, and courage that define our athletes,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu added, “This event has given our athletes the unique opportunity to highlight their God-given talents, raise their rankings, and compete with their peers from across Africa and beyond. We are fortunate to have the recognition and support of esteemed organizations like the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and the Africa Table Tennis Federation. Their endorsement has elevated the standards of this tournament, laid a strong foundation for continued growth, and increased participation. We are deeply grateful for their collaboration, which brings prestige and amplifies our collective efforts here in Lagos.”
This year’s tournament showcased the remarkable skills of physically challenged athletes, who demonstrated unwavering dedication and perseverance. The event also unearthed new talents who made their mark on the para table tennis scene.
“We are thrilled that the tournament continues to grow by leaps and bounds. The registration this year was impressive, and we are happy to see the event attracting more players worldwide,” said Sunday Odebode, President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN).
The Lagos State Government’s continued support for the tournament was evident, with officials in attendance to show solidarity with the athletes.
As the curtains close on the 2024 ValueJet Para Table Tennis Competition, athletes and organizers are already looking forward to next year’s edition. The event’s success has paved the way for Nigerian para table tennis players to make their mark on the international stage.
Pablo Perez, ITTF Para Manager, highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in para table tennis, which has motivated the ITTF to support the tournament as one of the sanctioned events in Africa. “We are particularly thrilled with the growth of para table tennis in Nigeria. The performance of Nigerian players in major international competitions is a testament to the country’s hard work. Nigeria is truly making a mark with Isau Ogunkunle being the only African medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. We are proud to witness another tournament this year and commend Odebode and his team for their efforts,” Perez stated.
Tournament referee Asko Rasinen mentioned that over 30 players have been certified by classifiers, allowing them to kickstart their professional careers.
President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has expressed strong optimism ahead of this year’s ITTF-Africa Championships, saying the event will showcase some of the continent’s best talents in peak form.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, which runs from October 12 to 19 at the Rades Multisports Hall in Tunis, Oshodi praised the Tunisian Table Tennis Federation (FTTT) for stepping up to host after Rwanda’s late withdrawal, describing the North African nation as a reliable partner with a proven record of organizing world-class events.
“There’s no doubt this year’s tournament will be fiercely contested, especially given the current form of our players and the emergence of talented youth athletes,” Oshodi said.
He highlighted the growing strength of young African players, many of whom featured at the recent Youth Tournaments in Lagos, noting that several of them have now broken into their national senior teams for the continental showpiece.
“We’re particularly thrilled that many junior players who featured at the recent Youth Tournaments in Lagos have earned spots on their national teams for Tunis. This shows they’re maturing and ready to challenge the veterans,” he explained. “I expect upsets in Tunis and look forward to seeing some of these young stars rise to the top.”
The 2024 ITTF-Africa Championships also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London, an edition that will mark the centenary of the sport, returning to the city where both the International Table Tennis Federation and the first World Championships were founded in 1926.
Oshodi noted that while emerging stars are expected to light up the competition, the experience of established players will bring depth and drama to the tournament.
“We must also acknowledge the experience of our established players, which will make the tournament even more exciting,” he said. “The atmosphere in Tunis will rival any global event. Tunisia is a seasoned host with a strong track record, and we’re eager for the tournament to kick off on October 12.”
The team event, which doubles as a qualification pathway for London 2026, is expected to be one of the major highlights, with top-ranked African nations such as Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria among the favourites.
This year’s championship promises high-stakes action across seven categories: men’s team, women’s team, men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
Over eight days of competition, Africa’s finest will battle for continental supremacy, ranking points, and a chance to represent the continent on the world stage.
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The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has elected Dr. Adesoji Tayo as its new president following the conclusion of the federation’s elective congress held in Abuja on Saturday, October 4.
Dr. Tayo, who previously served as Vice President of the federation, succeeds Ishaku Tikon, whose eight-year tenure came to an end after steering the affairs of Nigerian table tennis through two terms.
Chairman of the Oyo State Table Tennis Association, Dr. Tayo emerged unopposed after his main challenger, Khamisu Ahmed from Gombe State, stepped down and was subsequently named the new Vice President.
With his election, Dr. Tayo joins the growing ranks of passionate table tennis enthusiasts who have taken leadership roles in the sport’s administration.
He is expected to bring renewed energy and direction to the NTTF over the next four years, building on the developmental strides achieved under his predecessor.
The new leadership is anticipated to focus on grassroots development, international competitiveness, and strengthening state associations to sustain Nigeria’s rich legacy in the sport.
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Following his last outing at the 2023 ITTF World Championships in Durban, South Africa, Taiwo Mati makes a return to Nigeria’s national team as the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) announces a 10-man squad for the 2025 ITTF African Championships, scheduled to take place in Tunis, Tunisia, from October 12 to 19.
The continental event serves as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom—a landmark edition marking the centenary of the World Championships, which will return to the city where it all began in 1926.
Mati, who plays professionally in Europe, earned his spot after a strong performance at the 2025 West Regional Championships, where he finished among the top four, edging out Muiz Adegoke.
He joins a formidable lineup that includes Africa’s top-ranked player, Quadri Aruna; 2019 African Games gold medalist, Olajide Omotayo; two-time West African champion, Matthew Kuti; and rising talent Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.
Despite being one of Africa’s standout performers at Durban 2023, Mati had been absent from the national team for two years.
His semifinal finish at the regional tournament in Lagos last July marked a successful comeback for the left-handed star.
The women’s team features promising young players, including Favour Ojo, Aishat Rabiu, Kabirat Ayoola, and Sukurat Aiyelabegan. Veteran Ajoke Ojomu will lead the squad as captain in Tunis.
NTTF Vice President, Adesoji Tayo, emphasized the importance of early exposure for young athletes:
“We believe that exposing these young players to top-tier competitions will help them grow stronger and more confident. Competing against Africa’s best will prepare them to face global opponents. Most elite players began early, and we want our talents to follow that path.
With guidance from experienced coaches like Segun Toriola and Dotun Omoniyi, we’re optimistic they’ll gain valuable experience and deliver strong performances,” he said.
Top-performing teams in both the men’s and women’s categories will earn qualification for London 2026, the sport’s most prestigious stage.
In the men’s division, Nigeria and Egypt lead a competitive field that includes Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, DR Congo, and Morocco.
The women’s competition will feature Egypt, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Angola, Algeria, and host nation Tunisia.
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