The battle for regional table tennis supremacy officially begins today Wednesday 16th July as top teams from across West Africa converge at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, for the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships.
The four-day event, which runs from July 16 to 19, doubles as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships scheduled to hold later this year in Kigali, Rwanda. Nations will compete in both team and singles events, with national pride and continental qualification on the line.
Nigeria Seeks Redemption on Home Soil
As hosts, Nigeria enters the competition with a point to prove following a shock 3-2 defeat to Togo in the men’s team event at the 2024 edition in Lomé, a result that ended their long-standing dominance in the region.
This year, the Nigerian men’s team features a mix of experience and emerging talent, including:
Matthew Kuti Taiwo Mati Muiz Adegoke Abdulbasit Abdulfatai Matthew Fabunmi
Their main rivals, Togo, will be spearheaded by US-based ace Kokou Fanny, backed by rising stars Atarou Assou and Kossi Akakpo, both of whom were instrumental in last year’s dramatic upset.
Also in strong contention is Ivory Coast, led by Oba Oba Kizito, the inaugural regional champion. Kizito, who now trains and competes in Paris, is aiming to finally secure gold after finishing as runner-up on four separate occasions.
Nigeria’s Women Eye Another Title
In the women’s category, Nigeria remains favourites, despite the absence of reigning singles champion Hope Udoaka. The team will be captained by seasoned international Ajoke Ojomu, who brings experience and leadership to a youthful squad featuring Aishat Rabiu and Aziza Sezuo—two rising stars hoping to make their mark.
Other women’s teams from Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso are expected to provide stiff competition, with several players hoping to cause upsets and earn their place at the continental finals in Kigali.
Tournament Schedule and Expectations
Team event finals: Thursday, July 17 Singles finals and closing ceremony: Saturday, July 19
Fans and officials alike are anticipating a high-intensity championship, with regional rivalries, national pride, and continental aspirations all adding spice to the games. The tournament is organized in collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa and the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF).
The event also serves as a platform for emerging West African talents to test themselves against the region’s best, with scouts and officials from across Africa expected to be in attendance.