Lagos: Defending champions Nigeria and Togo are gearing up to retain their titles at the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, scheduled to take place in Lagos from July 16 to 19. The event is set to be held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, located within the Teslim Balogun Stadium complex.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria, the region's most decorated team, will defend the women's team title, which they successfully retained in Lom© last year. Togo seeks consecutive victories in the men's team event, following a narrow 3-2 win over Nigeria in the 2024 final on home soil, supported strongly by local fans.
This year, Togo will face formidable competition from Nigeria and other countries, including Benin Republic, Ghana, and C´te d'Ivoire. Additional participating nations are Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Niger Republic, and Sierra Leone.
In the singles event, Nigeria's top-ranked player, Matthew Kuti, aims to retain his men's singles crown. Kuti secured his first regional title last year in Lom© by defeating Oba Oba Kizito of C´te d'Ivoire 4-1 in the final. A victory this year would make him the first male player to win consecutive singles titles at the tournament. The women's singles title is open for competition due to the absence of reigning champion, Nigeria's Hope Udoaka, allowing for a new champion to emerge.
The championship will also serve as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships in Rwanda later this year. With home advantage and the largest squad, Nigeria is determined to reclaim the men's team title after losing to Togo in last year's final in Lom©. This year's edition has recorded increased participation, with over ten countries confirming attendance, marking a significant rise from previous editions.
Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Niger Republic are returning to the championship after years of absence. Nigeria, a dominant force in both men's and women's events in the region, will be closely watched. Ferdinand Sonou, ITTF Africa West Region Vice President, expressed excitement about the event returning to Nigeria, noting the country's reputation for hosting international events and the enthusiastic support of the Lagos crowd.
Sonou praised ITTF Africa President, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, for his support of the championships and highlighted the growing number of teams as a testament to ITTF Africa's commitment to developing the sport in the region. News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 2025 championship promises intense action and top-tier table tennis talent.