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Nigeria seal spots at 2026 ITTF World Team Championships

 

 

Three-time African champions, Nigeria, have booked their place at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London after impressive victories over Cameroon and South Africa at the ongoing ITTF Africa Championships in Tunis.

 

The Nigerian men’s team cruised through Group B in style, defeating both Cameroon and South Africa 3–0 to secure qualification. The women’s team matched that performance, also advancing in commanding fashion after strong showings in their group fixtures.

 

Egypt became the first African side to qualify, easing past Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, while Morocco joined them after a fine run that saw them beat Cameroon and South Africa before overcoming Nigeria 3–1 to top Group B. Hosts Tunisia and Algeria also finished top of their groups to confirm their places in London.

 

In a historic moment, Benin and Togo earned their first-ever qualifications for the World Team Championships. Benin defeated Angola 3–1, while Togo edged Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in a thrilling encounter to secure their spots among Africa’s elite.

 

The women’s event also produced a mix of established forces and breakthrough performers. Alongside Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia all qualified, while Uganda’s fast-rising women’s team celebrated a maiden appearance at the global event. Ghana and Madagascar also clinched qualification after narrow wins over Angola and Benin Republic, respectively.

 

The 2026 ITTF World Team Championships Finals will be held in London from April 28 to May 10, marking a century since the first edition and the founding of the ITTF. A total of 64 teams per gender will compete, 52 through continental qualification, 11 via world rankings (as of November 2025), and one automatic berth for host nation England.