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Chairman, International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Para Commission, Anderson Bankole, has attributed Nigeria’s successful bid to host the 2027 African Para Championships to the country’s growing reputation and proven capacity to organise world-class sporting events, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
Nigeria secured the hosting rights at the ITTF Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Tangier, Morocco, becoming the first country outside North Africa to host the continental championship.
The 2027 edition, scheduled for Lagos, will serve as a qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, providing Nigerian athletes with the advantage of competing on home soil while welcoming para table tennis players from across the continent.
According to the retired Commissioner of Police, the decision reflects the confidence African table tennis stakeholders have in Nigeria’s ability to successfully stage major international competitions.
“Delegates at the AGM believe in Nigeria’s capacity to host a befitting tournament. Egypt has traditionally hosted several continental competitions, but this championship will give Nigeria the opportunity to showcase its athletes and warmly welcome the rest of Africa to Lagos,” he said.
Egypt is expected to host the 2026 edition, while Nigeria will take centre stage in 2027, a development that could strengthen the country’s team and improve qualification opportunities for its athletes ahead of the Paralympic Games.
Bankole noted that Nigeria’s growing profile in para table tennis continues to inspire other African nations. He added that the country’s performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games further enhanced its standing within the continental sporting community.
“What stood Nigeria out in Morocco was the overwhelming support the country received when it was presented as the host of the African Para Championships. Many delegates unanimously endorsed Nigeria’s bid, demonstrating their confidence in the country’s ability to organise a world-class qualifying competition,” Bankole said.
He described the hosting rights as a landmark achievement for Nigerian para table tennis and a significant boost for the development of para sports across Africa.
Bankole also assured the ITTF, ITTF Africa and the wider para table tennis community that Nigeria would work closely with relevant stakeholders to deliver a world-class, accessible, safe and memorable championship.
“On behalf of the ITTF Africa Para Committee, and in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, I want to assure the ITTF, ITTF Africa and the entire para table tennis family that we will work collectively to deliver a world-class, accessible, safe and memorable championship,” he said.
Bankole added that he was particularly delighted that the hosting rights were secured at a time when a Nigerian is leading the ITTF Africa Para Committee.
Bankole also expressed appreciation to ITTF President Petra Sörling, ITTF Africa President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation President, Dr Adesoji Tayo, the ATTF Executive Committee, the National Sports Commission and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria for their support.
He said the championship would provide a vital platform for African athletes seeking qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Bankole further expressed confidence that the event would attract strong participation from across the continent, driven in part by the impact of Isau Ogunkunle’s achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Ogunkunle won bronze in the men’s Singles Class 4 event, securing Africa’s only medal at the Games.
According to Bankole, hosting the championship will provide Nigeria with another opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to developing para table tennis and supporting athletes with disabilities across Africa.
