West Africa’s Finest Battle for Table Tennis Supremacy kickoffs today in Lagos

The quest for regional dominance kicks off today as the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships get underway at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Serving as a gateway to the 2025 African Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, the four-day event will see top table tennis nations in West Africa go head-to-head in both team and singles categories.

Nigeria, the host nation and long-time powerhouse in the region, will aim to reassert its dominance following a surprising defeat at the hands of Togo in last year’s edition held in Lomé. That match ended in a narrow 3-2 loss for Nigeria’s men’s team, signaling a shift in the regional pecking order.

This year, the Nigerian men’s squad will feature a formidable roster, including Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, Muiz Adegoke, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and Matthew Fabunmi. Togo returns with a strong team led by US-based veteran Kokou Fanny, alongside young stars Atarou Assou and Kossi Akakpo.

Ivory Coast is also expected to mount a serious challenge, spearheaded by Oba Oba Kizito, the inaugural regional champion. Based in Paris, Kizito is looking to finally claim gold after finishing just short in recent attempts.

On the women’s side, Nigeria remains the team to beat, even in the absence of defending singles champion Hope Udoaka. Captain Ajoke Ojomu will lead a youthful side featuring Aishat Rabiu and Aziza Sezuo as they aim to retain their crown.

The championship will run through Saturday, July 19, culminating in the singles finals. Team champions will be determined earlier, on Thursday, July 17.