Tunisia 2025: Nigeria Targets London Qualification with Strong Squad

Tunisia 2025: Nigeria Targets London Qualification with Strong Squad

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has announced a 10-member squad for the upcoming 2025 ITTF African Championships, scheduled to be held in Tunis, Tunisia, from October 12 to 19, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The tournament also doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, a centenary edition set to commemorate 100 years since the first World Championships were held in the same city in 1926.

Headlining the men's team is the return of Taiwo Mati, who last featured for Nigeria at the 2023 ITTF World Championships in Durban, South Africa. The Europe-based star earned his recall following a strong showing at the 2025 West Regional Championships in Lagos, where he reached the semifinals and edged out Muiz Adegoke for a national team spot.

Mati will join a powerful lineup that includes:

Quadri Aruna – Africa’s top-ranked player

Olajide Omotayo – 2019 African Games gold medalist

Matthew Kuti – Two-time West African champion

Abdulbasit Abdulfatai – Rising national talent

Despite his consistent international presence in recent years, Mati had been absent from national team duties for over two years. His impressive comeback in Lagos last July has now earned him a place in the team bound for Tunisia.

The women’s team will be led by experienced national captain Ajoke Ojomu, and features a new generation of talent:

Favour Ojo

Aishat Rabiu

Kabirat Ayoola

Sukurat Aiyelabegan

The African Championships will bring together the continent’s best teams, with Nigeria and Egypt once again expected to lead the charge in both men’s and women’s events. Other participating nations in the men’s draw include Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Uganda, Madagascar, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Cameroon, Angola, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, and Morocco.

The women’s competition will feature strong representation from Egypt, Ghana, Botswana, Ethiopia, and host nation Tunisia, among others.

Top-performing teams will earn coveted spots at London 2026, widely regarded as the most prestigious stage in international table tennis.