Regional rivalries rekindled as 2025 ITTF Africa West Championships serve off in Lagos

The quest for West African table tennis supremacy officially gets underway today, as top players from across the region gather at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, for the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships.

The prestigious four-day tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, will see fierce contests in both team and singles events, with national pride and continental tickets at stake.

Host nation Nigeria, historically the dominant force in West African table tennis, will look to reassert its supremacy after a shock 3-2 defeat to Togo in the men’s team final of the 2024 edition in Lomé.

This year, Nigeria’s men’s squad features a formidable lineup including Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, Muiz Adegoke, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and Matthew Fabunmi — all determined to reclaim regional bragging rights on home soil.

The Togolese, however, are not to be underestimated. Their star player, U.S.-based Kokou Fanny, returns alongside rising talents, Atarou Assou and Kossi Akakpo, with hopes of repeating last year’s upset and cementing their status as emerging contenders.

Côte d’Ivoire, another strong challenger, will be led by veteran Oba Oba Kizito, the inaugural regional champion. Now based in Paris, Kizito is chasing a long-awaited gold medal after four consecutive near misses in past tournaments.

On the women’s side, Nigeria remains the team to beat despite the absence of reigning singles champion, Hope Udoaka. Team captain and veteran player Ajoke Ojomu will lead a youthful squad featuring Aishat Rabiu and Aziza Sezuo, both of whom are eager to make their mark and retain the title for Nigeria.

The championship’s team finals are scheduled for Thursday while the much-anticipated singles finals will take place on Saturday, July 19, bringing the tournament to a dramatic close.

With reputations on the line and Kigali qualification at stake, the next four days in Lagos promise high-octane rallies, regional rivalries, and unforgettable table tennis drama.