WTT Contender: Lagos awaits global table tennis stars

WTT Contender: Lagos awaits global table tennis stars

Nigeria is set to welcome top international players as WTT Contender Lagos awaits elite stars at the 2026 World Table Tennis tournament, scheduled to begin on Tuesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Kweku Tandoh, the Tournament Director, said the tournament offers crucial ranking points for major international competitions. He spoke during a media briefing at Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Lagos.

Tandoh said three players ranked inside the world’s top 20 would compete, while about 30 players ranked among the global top 100 were expected.

“This event brings some of the finest players worldwide. It gives athletes another chance to improve their rankings,” Tandoh said.

He said points earned in Lagos would support Olympic qualification campaigns and next year’s World Championships in Kazakhstan.

“This is the first event after the last world championships. It also serves as a qualifying tournament,” he said.

Tandoh said players wanted early points for automatic qualification, preferring to avoid difficult qualification tournaments.

“Players want enough points as early as possible. That helps them avoid extra qualification events,” he said.

He promised thrilling matches and renewed rivalries, saying fans should expect world-class performances throughout the tournament.

“This tournament will deliver drama and unforgettable moments. It will showcase elite table tennis,” he said.

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Tandoh said Nigerian players would benefit from facing world-class opponents, gaining confidence and valuable international experience.

“It is important our players face these stars. That experience builds international confidence,” the tournament director said.

He praised Hana Goda and Dina Meshref, saying both players had improved significantly and could defeat top-ranked opponents.

Tandoh admitted Nigerian players faced a difficult task in Lagos because of the tournament’s strength.

“I do not expect any Nigerian in the quarter-finals. The field is exceptionally strong,” he said.

He, however, said the experience would help local players improve and compete better internationally.

Also speaking, Wahid Oshodi, president, ITTF Africa, called for greater investment in player development, coaching and foreign tours.

“The aim is not only to win. It is to learn from the best,” Oshodi said.

He said Nigeria excelled at youth level, but the challenge remained transitioning players successfully into the senior team.

“At youth level, Nigeria performs strongly. The challenge is senior transition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lekan Fatodu, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, welcomed players and officials, describing the tournament as another proud moment for Lagos.

“As your host, I warmly welcome everyone to Lagos. This is the Centre of Excellence,” he said.

Fatodu praised Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting sports development and sustaining Lagos as a global sporting destination.