Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, has become the epicenter of the table tennis world for the next five days as it hosts the highly anticipated WTT Contender Lagos at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall in the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

This prestigious tournament marks a significant milestone as the first WTT Series event to take place in sub-Saharan Africa, solidifying Lagos’ status as a major sports-hosting destination on the continent.

A standout event on the World Table Tennis (WTT) calendar, the WTT Contender Lagos has drawn top-tier players from around the globe.

Competitors from countries including India, South Korea, Germany, China, Cameroon, Egypt, Benin Republic, Ghana, Algeria, and Denmark have converged on Lagos, ready to compete at the highest level.

Nigerian Table tennis player, Taiwo Mati.

Event Director Kweku Tandoh reflected on the journey that brought the tournament to its current stature.

“What began in 2013 as the Lagos International Table Tennis Classics has evolved into a globally recognized event,” Tandoh explained.

Press Conference for the World Table Tennis Series, Lagos. Photo | ITTF

“After gaining recognition from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), it became the ITTF Nigeria Open, which ran successfully for several years. Despite a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have now reached the level of the WTT Contender, a series of events organized by the ITTF.”

Tandoh emphasized the significance of this year’s tournament, noting its timing just weeks before the Olympics, making it an ideal preparation ground for many international players.

“This tournament serves as an excellent part of their training program, and we anticipate an exciting competition. We invite everyone to join and witness this remarkable event,” he said.

The LOC Chairman and ITTF Vice President, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, highlighted the uniqueness of the WTT Contender Lagos, attributing its distinction to the enthusiastic local support.

“This is Lagos. It’s unique not because of the grandeur of the hall but because of the greatest fans in the world,” Oshodi remarked.

“Our fans and the media have been immensely supportive over the past 12 to 13 years. As the Vice President of ITTF, I express my deepest gratitude to them for their unwavering support.”

Bryce Goh, the WTT Event and Experience Manager, expressed his excitement about the opportunities the tournament presents, particularly for young Nigerian players.

“This tournament provides a platform for young players in Nigeria to showcase their talents on the world stage and advance to the next level,” Goh stated.

“I’m eager to witness a fantastic tournament and extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event possible.”