The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is set to announce its squad for the 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge after six days of intense training at the National Hopes Week event, which concluded on Sunday. The four-man team will be chosen from the 25 cadet players who participated in the training sessions, and they will represent Nigeria at the prestigious competition scheduled for July in Lagos.
The NTTF-organized Hopes Week event, which began on April 2, featured a combination of rigorous training and competitive matches for young players across the country. Held at the National Stadium in Lagos, the program aimed to develop the players’ skills, enhance their understanding of table tennis techniques, and prepare them for future international competitions.
With the support of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and ITTF Africa, the training sessions were conducted by certified coaches who provided invaluable insights into the game. The focus of the training was on improving fundamental skills, including footwork and backhand techniques, which were identified as areas needing attention.
Ifeoma Isaac, the lead youth coach during the program, praised the initiative and expressed optimism about the players’ growth. “I must commend the leadership of NTTF for organizing this training for U-12 players, particularly focusing on new techniques in table tennis. We realized that the players lacked footwork and backhand skills. Over the last six days, we have trained them and hope that such exercises will be regular to help the players continue improving their game for the benefit of the country,” Isaac said.
The ITTF Africa Hopes Week & Challenge is an essential platform for young table tennis players, serving as a stepping stone to developing talent, enhancing skills, and preparing them for regional and global competitions. With Nigeria hosting the 2025 event, the country looks set to make a strong impact on the continent’s table tennis scene.
