The 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships have turned Lagos into the epicenter of West African table tennis, as nations clash in a high-stakes contest of talent, pride, and regional supremacy. Hosted at the prestigious Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall within Teslim Balogun Stadium, the week-long tournament has seen explosive performances and growing anticipation ahead of Thursday’s team event finals.
Nigeria, playing host to the event, has asserted its dominance with commanding victories in Group 1. The trio of Taiwo Mati, Matthew Kuti, and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai showcased exceptional synergy and skill, sweeping past Liberia by walkover and later overpowering Côte d’Ivoire 3-1 in a decisive match to reach the semifinals.
Group 2 remains wide open, with Ghana, Benin Republic, Guinea, and Togo locked in a heated contest. As of the latest update, final group standings are still undecided, adding to the suspense and excitement that has gripped fans and players alike.
Among the standout stories of the opening days was the impressive showing by Côte d’Ivoire’s Audrey Diama and Eve Ndah. While they fell short of advancing in the women’s event, their spirited play and technical brilliance left a lasting impression—signaling a bright future for the duo on the continental stage.
The opening ceremony brought a festive atmosphere to the venue, featuring a brief but vibrant parade of participating teams and goodwill speeches from dignitaries. Delegations from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin Republic added cultural flair and color to the launch of the championship.
Ferdinand Sonou, Vice President of ITTF Africa West, lauded Nigeria and Lagos State for their commitment to excellence in hosting the event.
“I sincerely thank the Nigerian government, the Lagos State authorities, and the organizing committee for their outstanding effort. This championship represents more than just competition—it is a testament to our unity, cultural richness, and dedication to developing table tennis across the sub-region,” he said.
Also addressing attendees, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) President Ishaku Tikon—represented by Secretary General Olusoji Akanmu—expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for its steadfast support. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the sport within West Africa and nurturing the next generation of athletes.
As the tournament heads toward the grand finale of the team events on July 17, the energy in Lagos continues to build. Fans, officials, and players await to see which nation will emerge as champions in one of the region’s most electrifying table tennis competitions to date.
