ITTF Africa President Oshodi Seeks Financial Support For Aruna, Assar, Others

ITTF Africa President Oshodi Seeks Financial Support For Aruna, Assar, Others

Sampson Adedeji

The President of ITTF Africa, Wahid Oshodi, has called for increased financial backing and stronger corporate partnerships to drive the growth of table tennis across the continent, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Oshodi made the appeal during a strategic meeting with officials from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) technical and competitions departments in London, stressing that Africa’s abundance of talent must be matched with sustained investment to achieve global success.

According to him, funding remains a critical factor in developing players, coaches, officials, and the overall table tennis ecosystem in Africa.

“Success takes so much, and we need major corporate bodies to join us on this journey,” Oshodi stated, reiterating the federation’s commitment to expanding support programmes across its regions.

He also praised Egypt’s consistent performances on the international stage, describing the North African nation as a model for excellence in African table tennis.

Among the standout performers he highlighted were Omar Assar and Quadri Aruna, alongside women’s stars Dina Meshref and Hana Goda.

Oshodi reserved special commendation for Egypt’s women’s team, who narrowly missed out on a historic quarterfinal berth against Romania.

“Especially the women I must personally thank the team for their excellent fight in London. This is what truly matters: the passion and effort they put into their craft. 

"We’re extremely proud of their achievement and how they continue to shine a light on the continent,” he said.

The ITTF Africa president further outlined plans to strengthen development structures, including equipment support initiatives, grants, and collaborative training programmes with China aimed at nurturing emerging talents and improving coaching standards.

He emphasised that Africa must continue to build a sustainable pipeline capable of producing more world-class players.

“We’re not stopping with rebuilding. We believe there are thousands of talents across Africa. Look at Goda today she represents both the present and the future. 

"We’re constantly strategising with partners, federations, and ITTF on how to take our game to the next level, but these successes require huge financial support, which we will continue to seek,” Oshodi added.