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 announced a 10-player squad for the 2025 ITTF African Championships in Tunis.
The continental competition, scheduled from October 12 to 19, will serve as a 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.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
IPO: Dangote Refinery extends offer period by two weeks
The extension follows exceptionally strong interest from a broad spectrum of eligible investors across Africa and international markets.
Anti-Corruption
EFCC arraigns Nigerian-American for alleged $320,000 vehicle import fraud
Mr Adegoke, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
States
Kaduna APC declares readiness to host Tinubu’s presidential campaign kickoff
Mr Sani said the party was mobilising supporters across the state to welcome the president and other APC leaders.
World
14-year-old student shoots teachers with shotgun in France
The Marseille prosecutor’s office said an investigation into attempted murder has been launched.
States
Ansaru terrorists planned Oriire school attack to secure leaders’ release, witness tells court
Mr Ibrahim adjourned the matter until October 13 for continuation of the trial.
World
Ilhan Omar accuses Trump of weaponising security agents, targeting her with lies for decade
Earlier on Monday, federal agents raided Ms Omar’s home in Washington, D.C.,
