Over 126 players are set to compete in the 2025 WTT Contender Championship scheduled to take place from July 22 to 26 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
President of the Africa Table Tennis Federation, Wahid Oshodi, disclosed this at a media briefing on Monday.
According to him, the tournament will attract top global talent and promote excellence in table tennis by providing a platform for players to showcase their skills.
“It will foster the sport’s growth and development worldwide,” Oshodi said.
He added that the championship will offer ranking points to help players boost their global standings, while also giving Nigerian players a chance to compete with elite opponents and gain valuable exposure.
“This could lead to better infrastructure, improved training programmes, and more resources for athletes,” he said, adding that the event is expected to inspire new talents and attract investment into the sport.
Oshodi also noted that the WTT Contender series is designed to bring innovation and excitement to table tennis, while raising its global profile.
Tournament Director, Kweku Tandoh, reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a successful event, describing it as crucial for players preparing for the Olympics.
“This WTT Contender Lagos is vital for Olympic preparation, helping players sharpen their skills,” Tandoh said.
This year’s edition features a prize pool of $100,000, up from $75,000 in the previous edition, a development that adds to the stakes and excitement.
Top Nigerian players such as Taiwo Mati and Mathew Kuti are expected to feature in the championship, which kicks off on Tuesday.
(NAN)