Sports
NIGERIA’S table tennis youth star, Sultan Agunbiade says he is determined to make a strong impression at the 2026 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Championships in Tangier, Morocco.
The 18-year-old, who stands at 1.93 metres, earned a wildcard invitation to join Nigeria’s contingent for the senior continental championship.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament will be Agunbiade’s first appearance at a senior continental championship.
This is contained in a statement by the ITTF-AFRICA MEDIA, issued to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.
According to the statement, Agunbiade is the runner-up at the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Cup, who has enjoyed an impressive rise on the international scene over the past two years.
It said the youngster had also emerged as Nigeria’s last man standing in the men’s singles event at the 2026 WTT Contender Lagos.
The statement further noted that he reached the round of 16 before losing to India’s Manush Shah.
It said at the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Championships in Accra, Agunbiade played a key role in Nigeria’s victory over Egypt in the Under-19 Boys’ Team final.
According to the statement, he also defeated two-time African Youth champion Wassim Essid of Tunisia, in the U-19 boys’ singles semi-final.
It added that the victory earned him a place in the final, where he lost to compatriot Matthew Kuti.
“His performances throughout the competition subsequently earned him a wildcard ticket to the senior continental championships in Morocco.
“Widely regarded as “Mr Consistency”, he said he is looking forward to testing himself against Africa’s best players.
“In table tennis, anything can happen when you are at your best.
“My goal is to be at my very best in Morocco and make my presence felt, even though it will be my first senior continental tournament,” it quoted him as saying.
According to the statement, Agunbiade comes from a family with a strong table tennis background and is the son of Tajudeen Agunbiade, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist.
It noted that Agunbiade identified Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna, as one of his biggest inspirations, saying he hoped to emulate his achievements.
“I look up to Aruna and having the opportunity to play alongside him is a rare privilege that I do not take for granted,”he said.
According to the statement, Agunbiade said Aruna supported his development through the provision of equipment and constant motivation.
“He is my role model and I hope to achieve what he has accomplished and even surpass his records on the world stage,” the statement said.
It noted that beyond table tennis, Agunbiade is also pursuing his education after gaining admission to the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) to study Tourism.
The statement added that he remained committed to combining his academic pursuits with his sporting ambitions.
“With his growing international experience and determination, Agunbiade will be hoping to make his mark when he makes his senior continental debut in Morocco,” it added. (NAN)
A.I
Oct. 5, 2026
Tags: ITTF Africa Youth Cup Sultan Agunbiade