By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria and Egypt have secured their places at the 2025 World Youth Championships (WYC) in Romania after emerging victorious in the U-19 team events at the ongoing ITTF African Youth Championships, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos State.
In the boys’ U-19 category, Nigeria staged a dramatic comeback in the semi-finals, overturning a 0-2 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2.
The final proved even more intense, as the hosts battled defending champions Tunisia in a thrilling 3-2 encounter.
Despite Tunisia’s star player, Wassim Essid, claiming two hard-fought 3-2 victories over Matthew Kuti and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, Nigeria held their nerve.
In the decisive match, Abdulfatai delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Mohamed Khaloufi to seal the title and mark Nigeria’s return to continental glory after missing the 2024 edition. Algeria and Egypt claimed bronze medals for their efforts.
In the girls’ U-19 final, Egypt reaffirmed its dominance with a commanding 3-0 win over Nigeria to claim its fourth consecutive team title and the sole continental ticket to the WYC.
Team captain Mariam Younes led the charge with a 3-0 victory over Aishat Rabiu, followed by Habiba Elbasoumy’s equally dominant 3-0 win against Favour Ojo.
In the final match, Kabirat Ayoola put up a spirited fight, taking a game off Nour Zaki, but the Egyptian held firm to win 3-1 and complete the sweep.
Madagascar and South Africa settled for bronze in the girls’ U-19 event.
Meanwhile, in the U-15 girls’ category, Uganda made history by winning its first-ever continental gold medal.
The East African side came from 1-2 down to defeat Tunisia 3-2 in a gripping final.
Africa Hopes Week and Challenge champion Patience Anyango emerged as the hero, edging Tunisia’s Mariam Brahimi 3-2 in the deciding match to secure Uganda’s maiden team title at the African Youth Championships.
Former champions Egypt and Algeria finished with bronze medals.
