Sports
NIGERIA will be conspicuously missing from the nine-day team events at the 2026 International Table Tennis Africa (ITTFA) Championships, which are scheduled to take place in Tangier, Morocco
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Nigeria’s absence is a major setback for one of Africa’s traditional table tennis powerhouses, as teams from across the continent prepare to battle for honours.
ITTFA, which announced the development in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday in Lagos, disclosed that the championships would hold between Oct. 18 and Oct. 26.
NAN recalls that Nigeria failed to attend the regional qualifiers in Conakry, Guinea, earlier in the year due to financial constraints and rising air ticket prices.
Under the rules of the ITTF Africa, teams that fail to participate in the zonal qualifiers are automatically disqualified from the continental championships.
The introduction of the zonal qualifiers four years ago has made them an important route to the Africa Championships.
Only teams that successfully compete in the zonal qualifiers are allowed to advance to the continental showpiece.
With Nigeria missing from the team events, defending champions Egypt will face strong challenges from Algeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Angola, Cameroon and other participating countries.
The teams will compete at the 10,000-capacity Salle Omnisports Arena in Tangier.
In spite of Nigeria’s absence from the team events, some of the country’s leading players will feature in the singles competitions.
Quadri Aruna, Nigeria’s captain, and Olajide Omotayo secured their places through their world rankings.
Matthew Kuti and Sultan Agunbiade also earned wildcards following their impressive performances at the Africa Youth Championships in Accra.
In the women’s singles, Fatimo Bello and Sukurat Aiyelabegan qualified through their rankings.
Kabirat Ayoola, Favour Ojo and Aziza Sezuo were awarded wildcards based on their performances at the championships in Ghana.
The 2026 championships will feature seven events, with the singles competitions expected to provide some of the biggest attractions.
Among the players expected to light up Tangier are rising stars and experienced campaigners such as Hana Goda, Omar Assar, Mehdi Bouloussa, and sisters Jade and Tania Morice.
The singles events will also serve as qualifiers for the 2027 World Championships in Astana.
This will provide an opportunity for experienced players such as Aruna to make another strong impact after returning to full action with new clubs in France, Italy and the United States.
Meanwhile, ITTF Africa has commended Morocco for its preparations for the championships.
Following a recent inspection, officials praised the facilities, hotels and logistics put in place for the competition.
ITTF Africa said Tangier was ready to host what promises to be a memorable celebration of African table tennis. (NAN)
A.I
Sept. 20, 2026
Tags: Favour Ojo Hana Goda Kabirat Ayoola Mehdi Bouloussa OMAR Assar