Nigerian Table Tennis Star Opens Up About Financial Struggles Impacting His Career

Nigerian Table Tennis Star Opens Up About Financial Struggles Impacting His Career

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s rising table tennis talent, Taiwo Mati, has revealed that financial challenges are hindering his progress on the international stage.

This comes after a difficult run of results in recent World Table Tennis (WTT) events, including the 2025 Contender Tunis, BSNSports.com.ng sourced from his exclusive interview with PUNCH.

The 20-year-old athlete expressed optimism despite a series of defeats in the men’s singles category, dating back to the WTT Contender Muscat in January.

“I don’t feel discouraged by the results,” Mati said.

“Instead, I feel more motivated to keep pushing and wait for the right moment.”

“As an athlete, I prepare for both good and bad outcomes. No matter what happens, I’m always ready to face the challenges. Mentally, I’m strong enough to handle it,” he added.

From October 2024 to April 2025, Mati competed in three major WTT singles events — Cagliari, Muscat, and Tunis — but has suffered six consecutive defeats in those tournaments.