The 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships is set to ignite Lagos, Nigeria, with over 150 young table tennis talents from across the continent gathering for the prestigious event.
The tournament, which began on Sunday, July 27, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, promises to showcase the finest young talents in African table tennis.
ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi expressed his excitement about the tournament, highlighting the exceptional skills of the young participants. “This generation is arguably the most gifted we’ve seen, and they represent the future of African table tennis,” he said. Oshodi also praised the presence of experienced players and coaches, including Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh, who is now coaching the national team.
The tournament features 16 events across singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team categories, with players competing in U-15 and U-19 categories.
The winners of the team events will qualify for the World Youth Championships in Romania later this year, while finalists in the singles events will also earn automatic spots.
Over 17 countries will be represented at the tournament, with Nigeria being praised for its exceptional hosting capabilities. ITTF Africa Deputy President Alfred Bagueka commended Nigeria for its growing reputation as a top-tier organizer of international table tennis competitions.
Africa’s top-ranked U-19 player, Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, is eager to defend his title, while Nigerian players Tobi Adebakin and Favour Ojo are preparing for stiff competition from North African countries. The tournament is expected to be a thrilling display of young talent, with the likes of Mariam Aruna, daughter of Nigeria’s table tennis icon Quadri Aruna, set to make her international debut for Nigeria.
The 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships marks a significant milestone for Lagos, cementing its position as a hub of table tennis in Africa. The event will also feature the inaugural ITTF Africa Youth Cup, which could potentially be adopted globally by the ITTF.
