Table Tennis: Mati returns as Nigeria names squad for championship

Taiwo Mati has rejoined Nigeria’s national table tennis team as the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) announced a 10-player squad for the 2025 ITTF African Championships in Tunis.

The continental competition, scheduled from Oct. 12 to Oct. 19, will serve as qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom.

The London tournament will mark the centenary of the global event, first staged in the British capital in 1926.

Mati last played for Nigeria at the 2023 ITTF World Championships in Durban. His recall followed a semifinal finish at the 2025 West Regional Championships.

The 19-year-old Europe-based professional will feature alongside Quadri Aruna, Olajide Omotayo, Matthew Kuti and teenage prospect Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.

The women’s team will be led by Ajoke Ojomu, joined by youngsters Favour Ojo, Aishat Rabiu, Kabirat Ayoola and Sukurat Aiyelabegan.

Adesoji Tayo, NTTF Vice President, said the blend of youth and experience reflects the federation’s developmental strategy.

He noted that competing against Africa’s finest will toughen the youngsters and prepare them for international challenges, with guidance from coaches Segun Toriola and Dotun Omoniyi.

Nigeria’s men face tough opponents including Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, DR Congo and Morocco.

The women’s category includes Egypt, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Angola, Algeria and Tunisia.

Top-performing teams in both men’s and women’s categories will secure qualification for the London 2026 ITTF World Team Championships.