ITTF Africa Championships: Nigeria Crash Out In Singles Events

ITTF Africa Championships: Nigeria Crashes Out In Singles Events

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s impressive start at the 2025 ITTF African Championships came to a disappointing halt on Tuesday, as all ten of the country’s singles players were knocked out in a dramatic day at the Salle Multidisciplinaire de Rades in Tunisia, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

After Monday’s flawless showing, expectations were high for the Nigerian contingent. However, the round of 32 quickly turned sour, with several top players failing to match the tactical precision and composure of their North and Central African opponents.

One of the few bright spots came early in the day when 20-year-old Matthew Kuti cruised past Ivory Coast’s Jean Pierre Bayala 4–0 (11–7, 11–2, 11–4, 11–8) to reach the round of 16.

But his momentum was later halted by Egypt’s Mohamed Elbeiali, who edged a tight 4–1 win (11–2, 13–11, 8–11, 11–8, 14–12). In contrast, 13-year-old Aishat Rabiu endured a tough debut, falling 4–0 to Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana despite a spirited performance.

Similarly, Taiwo Mati, making his return to international action after nearly three years, was outclassed by Egypt’s Badr Mostafa, while Abdulbasit Abdulfatai lost 4–1 to Algeria’s Bella Maheidine after taking the opening set.

The women’s division offered little respite. Ajoke Ojomu, one of Nigeria’s biggest hopes, was beaten 4–0 by Algeria’s Jade Morice, who dominated the rallies and controlled the match from start to finish.

Team captain Olajide Omotayo provided a glimmer of hope with a convincing 4–0 victory over South Africa’s Liam Beukes in the round of 32 but later bowed out in the next round to end Nigeria’s singles campaign.

Elsewhere, Muizz Adegoke fell 4–0 to Benin’s Abdel-Kader Salifou, while in the women’s draw, Sukurat Aiyelabegan and Favour Ojo both reached the round of 16 before losing to Egyptian opposition.

Aiyelabegan, who earlier defeated Algeria’s Houda Taguercifi 4–1, was outclassed 4–0 by top seed Hana Goda, while Ojo went down 4–1 to Farida Badawy.

All ten Nigerians were eliminated before the quarter-finals the first time in over a decade that the nation failed to have a singles representative at that stage.

Attention will now turn to the mixed doubles events, where Team Nigeria will aim to bounce back and reclaim some pride after their early exits in both the men’s and women’s doubles categories.