Nigeria defeats Tunisia to secure 2028 African table tennis championships

Nigeria has secured the right to host the 2028 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) African Championships in Lagos after defeating Tunisia in a vote at the continental governing body’s annual general meeting in Morocco.

Nigeria polled 23 votes against Tunisia’s 15 at the ITTF Africa Annual General Meeting in Tangier on Thursday, October 22, to win the hosting rights for the continental competition.

The decision will bring Africa’s leading table tennis players to Lagos for the championship, which Nigeria last hosted in 1992.

Adesoji Tayo, president of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), said the country was prepared to deliver a successful tournament, promising a world-class experience for participating athletes and officials.

Tayo expressed appreciation to delegates for supporting Nigeria’s bid, noting that the country had also secured the right to host the 2027 African Para Table Tennis Championships.

“We want to thank all the delegates for placing their trust in Nigeria to host both the 2028 African Championships and the 2027 African Para Championships,” he said.

He added that Nigeria had experience organising major international table tennis competitions and would work to ensure a smooth event.

“Lagos will once again welcome the continent’s finest players, and we assure all visitors that Nigeria will be the place to be in 2028,” Tayo said.

The 2028 championship will mark Nigeria’s return as host of the senior African table tennis competition after a gap of 36 years.

At the 1992 edition, Nigerian table tennis legends Funke Oshonaike and Segun Toriola won individual and doubles events, adding to the country’s record in the sport.

Nigeria’s successful bid comes as the country prepares to stage the 2027 African Para Table Tennis Championships, giving the federation hosting responsibilities for two continental competitions in consecutive years.

The ITTF Africa meeting also confirmed host countries for other upcoming tournaments. Libya will stage the 2027 Africa Cup, while Algeria will host the 2027 African Championships and Botswana the 2027 African Youth Championships.

Rwanda was selected to host the 2028 African Youth Championships, while Egypt will stage the 2028 African Para Table Tennis Championships.

Nigeria’s hosting victory comes after the country missed the team events at the 2026 African Championships in Morocco because of financial constraints that prevented its participation in the regional qualifying competition. Nigerian players nevertheless remained eligible to compete in individual events.

The NTTF will now be expected to work with relevant sports authorities and event organisers to prepare Lagos for the 2027 para championship and the 2028 African senior championships.