Nigeria and Egypt have secured qualification for the 2025 World Youth Championships (WYC) in Romania after standout performances at the ITTF African Youth Championships in Lagos.
In the boys’ U-19 final, Nigeria mounted a stunning comeback from 0-2 down to edge Tunisia 3-2 in a dramatic final. Star player Abdulbasit Abdulfatai sealed the win with a 3-0 rout of Mohamed Khaloufi. Egypt and Algeria claimed bronze.
In the girls’ U-19 final, Egypt blanked Nigeria 3-0 to clinch a fourth straight title and the sole WYC slot. Captain Mariam Younes led the charge with a 3-0 win over Aishat Rabiu. Kabirat Ayoola’s valiant effort against Nour Zaki ended in a 3-1 loss.
“This was the toughest yet,” Younes said. “The crowd was loud, the pressure high—but we’re thrilled to qualify.”
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”.