Nigeria Welcome Canada, Germany, USA , Others For WTT Contender Lagos 2026

Nigeria Welcome Canada, Germany, USA , Others For WTT Contender Lagos 2026

By Admin 

Top table tennis nations from across the world will converge on Lagos for the WTT Contender Lagos 2026, scheduled to hold from May 19 to 24 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Among the leading countries expected at the tournament are Japan, South Korea, Germany and France, all recognised as major forces in international table tennis.

Players from several other nations, including Denmark, United States, India, Portugal, Romania, Cameroon, Benin, Belgium, Canada, Togo, Netherlands, Ghana, Wales, Egypt, Italy, Chile, Slovenia and hosts Nigeria, are also expected to compete for a share of the tournament’s $100,000 prize purse.

This year’s competition will witness the return of former champions alongside a strong field of emerging and established stars, further underlining the growing reputation of the Lagos tournament on the global calendar.

The Lagos event is one of 10 tournaments listed in the 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender Series and has gained recognition as one of the most vibrant stops on the tour due to its lively atmosphere and enthusiastic fan support.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Local Organising Committee chairman Adesoji Tayo said the competition continues to showcase Africa’s capacity to host world-class sporting events.

“We are excited to host this prestigious event, one that not only highlights elite table tennis in Africa and beyond but also underscores Nigeria’s growing influence on the global sporting stage,” Tayo said.

“Coming on the heels of the centenary anniversary of table tennis in London, Lagos is proud to welcome athletes eager to compete with passion and precision.”

He also expressed confidence in the city’s readiness to stage another successful edition of the tournament.

“Nigeria’s commercial hub is prepared to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with energy, culture and top-tier table tennis. As one of the most popular tournaments on the WTT calendar, the Contender Lagos continues to raise the bar in organisation and hospitality, offering athletes and fans a truly unique atmosphere,” he added.

In addition to prize money, competitors will also have the opportunity to earn valuable ITTF World Ranking points, while the event is expected to provide a platform for emerging talents to compete against some of the best players in the world.

The tournament will feature men’s and women’s singles events with 32-player main draws in each category, men’s and women’s doubles featuring 16 pairs per category, as well as mixed doubles involving eight pairs.