Lagos Welcomes over 150 Africa’s Finest players as 2025 ITTF Youth Championships Serve Off

Lagos becomes the centre of African table tennis this week as the 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships officially get underway today at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium. Over 150 rising stars from 19 countries are competing for continental honours and coveted qualification spots for the World Youth Championships in Romania later this year.

This marks the first time Nigeria’s commercial capital is hosting Africa’s premier youth table tennis event, and anticipation is high both on and off the court.

Leading the charge for hosts Nigeria are teenage sensations Tobi Adebakin and Favour Ojo, who are aiming for podium finishes in the U-15 and U-19 divisions. The duo are confident of their chances, especially after weeks of intensive preparation.

“We’ve had a solid training camp and participated in several competitive matches to get in shape,” said Ojo, who will feature in the singles, doubles, and team events. “Being at home gives us an edge. The fans, the atmosphere, and the familiar surroundings will definitely inspire us to perform at our best.”

Adebakin echoed her confidence, though he acknowledged the depth of talent in the competition.

“My goal is to win gold. It won’t be easy, because there are strong players from across the continent. But with the hard work we’ve put in and God’s help, I believe it’s achievable,” he said. “Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria are always tough, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

The tournament officially kicked off with a press conference where ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi praised the level of talent on display, calling the current youth crop the most promising the continent has produced.

“This championship is a showcase of the next generation. Players like Wassim Essid show that African table tennis has a bright future. It’s fantastic that Nigeria is hosting an event of this scale and quality,” Oshodi stated.

His deputy, Alfred Bagueka, also lauded Nigeria’s consistent role in growing the sport, referencing the country’s successful staging of previous events like the WTT Contender Lagos.

Competition Manager Menna Elzaabalawy described this year’s edition as historic, with a record number of events, 16 in total, across singles, doubles, team, and mixed doubles formats. She confirmed that winners of the team events, along with singles finalists, will qualify for the 2025 World Youth Championships.

“We are expecting top-class competition throughout the week. This is the largest youth table tennis gathering Africa has ever seen,” she said.

The buzz in Lagos is unmistakable, with fans turning up in numbers to support the continent’s emerging talents. Tunisia’s top seed Wassim Essid, making his debut appearance in Nigeria, was full of praise for the local atmosphere.

“The energy from the crowd is amazing. It’s my first time in Lagos and I can already tell it’s going to be a great experience,” Essid said.

With fierce competition and passionate support in equal measure, the 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships promises to be a landmark event in African table tennis.