The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has named eight cadet players, four boys and four girls, to represent the country at the 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, set to take place in July in Lagos.
The final selection followed six days of intensive training and a two-day tournament, all overseen by ITTF-certified coaches at the National Training Centre, National Stadium, Lagos, from April 2 to 7.
National Hopes Week nurtures future stars
The National Hopes Week initiative, backed by the ITTF and ITTF Africa, provided a vital platform for 25 cadet (Under-12) players from across Nigeria to hone their skills and gain invaluable experience, laying a strong foundation for their future development in the sport.
Standout performances
In the boys’ singles final, Samson Joshua from Kogi State defeated Umar Ayoola of Oyo State 4-2 to claim the top spot.
In the girls’ category, Elizabeth Emelike from Abia State overcame Deborah Faleye of Edo State 4-1 in a dominant display.
All semi-finalists in both the boys’ and girls’ events earned places on Team Nigeria for the continental challenge.
Team Nigeria revealed
Joining champion Samson Joshua and runner-up Umar Ayoola in the boys’ squad are Juwon Ogunshakin and Habib Adebayo, both representing Lagos State. The girls’ team will consist of finalists Elizabeth Emelike and Deborah Faleye, alongside Semilore Owoiya and Emmanuella Ahaibu, both hailing from Lagos State.
Young stars share their dreams
A delighted Elizabeth Emelike said the experience has pushed her closer to her dream of dominating Nigerian table tennis.
“I feel happy and great at the tournament, and I hope to become champion in my next tournament and win every tournament in the country,” she said.
“During the training, I learned how to serve, topspin, and receive various types of balls, as well as footwork. I will go back home and train more.”
Meanwhile, Samson Joshua expressed gratitude for the opportunity and highlighted the role of strategy in his victory.
“I feel happy and thank my coach for allowing me to participate and perform well in the tournament. I thank God,” he said.
“My forehand topspin was good in the final match because I knew my opponent couldn’t follow up, so I used my energy to play the game.”