Mati returns as Aruna leads ITTF African Championships squad News

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Mati returns as Aruna leads ITTF African Championships squad

By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 19, 2026

France-based Nigerian table tennis player, Taiwo Mati, has earned a recall to the national team ahead of the 2025 African Championships in Tunisia, where he will team up with top star Quadri Aruna and eight other players, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The tournament will be played in Tunis from October 12 to 19.

Mati’s last outing for the country until this year was at the 2023 ITTF World Championships in Durban, South Africa. Despite being one of Africa’s standout performers at Durban 2023, the left-handed star had been absent from the national team for two years.

The 20-year-old, who plays professionally in Europe, earned his spot after a strong performance at the 2025 West Regional Championships, where he finished among the top four, edging out Muiz Adegoke.

For the African Championships, he joins a formidable lineup that includes Africa’s top-ranked player, Aruna; 2019 African Games gold medalist, Olajide Omotayo; two-time West African champion, Matthew Kuti; and rising talent Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.

The women’s team features promising young players such as Favour Ojo, Aishat Rabiu, Kabirat Ayoola, and Sukurat Aiyelabegan. Veteran Ajoke Ojomu will lead the squad as captain in Tunis.

The continental event serves as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom—a landmark edition marking the centenary of the World Championships, returning to the city where it all began in 1926.

NTTF Vice President, Adesoji Tayo, emphasised the importance of early exposure for young athletes.

“We believe that exposing these young players to top-tier competitions will help them grow stronger and more confident. Competing against Africa’s best will prepare them to face global opponents. Most elite players began early, and we want our talents to follow that path. With guidance from experienced coaches like Segun Toriola and Dotun Omoniyi, we’re optimistic they’ll gain valuable experience and deliver strong performances,” he said.

Top-performing teams in both the men’s and women’s categories will earn qualification for London 2026, the sport’s most prestigious stage.

In the men’s division, Nigeria and Egypt lead a competitive field that includes Tunisia, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, DR Congo, and Morocco.

The women’s competition will feature Egypt, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Angola, Algeria, and host nation Tunisia.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 19, 2025