Nigeria, Egypt Lead Africa’s Charge at ITTF World Team Championships

Nigeria, Egypt Lead Africa’s Charge at ITTF World Team Championships

By BSN Sports 

African teams will be among the contenders at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, with leading nations such as Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, and Angola aiming to make an impact on the global stage, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

A total of 12 men’s teams and 13 women’s teams from Africa will feature at the tournament, scheduled from April 28 to May 10 in London. Egypt and Nigeria headline the continent’s challenge, reflecting their status as traditional powerhouses in African table tennis.

The 2026 edition is particularly significant, marking 100 years since the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships, first staged in England in 1926. The centenary event returns to its birthplace, adding historical weight to this year’s competition.

A total of 64 men’s and 64 women’s teams will compete over 13 days across two venues in London. The tournament format comprises three phases: Stage 1B group matches to determine qualification routes, Stage 1A seeding matches for higher-ranked teams, and Stage 2 knockout rounds, where the race for the world title will be decided.

African teams begin their campaigns at the Copper Box Arena on April 28, seeking to progress beyond the preliminary stages. In the men’s event, Egypt and Nigeria are joined by Algeria, Madagascar, Benin Republic, Tunisia, Morocco, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, South Africa, and Cameroon.

In the women’s competition, Egypt will rely on Hana Goda, the continent’s highest-ranked female player, to lead their charge. Other African representatives include Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Benin Republic, DR Congo, Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Ethiopia, and Madagascar.

Opening fixtures present a series of challenging encounters. Egypt face South Africa in the women’s draw, while Algeria—featuring the Morice sisters, Tania and Jade—take on Belgium. Ghana will meet Puerto Rico, led by Adriana Díaz, while Madagascar’s men face Mongolia. Uganda and Rwanda’s women’s teams will compete against India and Ukraine respectively. Angola’s women are drawn against Austria, and Benin Republic’s men will take on Serbia.