Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria emerged as the biggest winners on the final day of the 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, www.aclsports.com reports.
From the very first serve, the finals delivered gripping action. In the U-15 mixed doubles, Tunisia’s Amir Essid and Ela Saidi edged Nigeria’s Tobi Adebakin and Aishat Rabiu in four tightly contested sets, that won over the home crowd.
Egypt flexed its depth and chemistry in the U-19 mixed doubles as Badr Mostafa and Mariam Younes swept aside compatriots Yassin Gaber and Nour Zaki in straight sets, each rally met with thunderous applause. More Egyptian dominance came in the U-15 boys’ doubles, where Sameh Asser and Mohamed Abdelhalim got the better of Algeria’s Aylan Goudjil and Bilel Zouitene.
Algeria also had a golden moment in the U-15 girls’ doubles, as Tania and Jade Morice outclassed Egypt’s Farida Thabet and Hanin Elewa. Tania went on to defeat her sister Jade in the U-15 girls’ singles final in straight sets.
Nigeria shone in the U-19 boys’ doubles, with Abdulbasit Abdulfatai and Matthew Kuti overcoming Tunisia’s Essid and Khaloufi. Meanwhile, Uganda’s Jemimah Nakawala and Judith Nangonzi fell to Egypt in the U-19 girls’ doubles.
In singles, Algeria’s Bilel Zouitene edged Egypt’s Asser Sameh in a five-set U-15 boys’ final, while Egypt’s Mariam Younes added to her gold tally by beating Habiba Elbasoumy 4-1 in the U-19 girls’ final. Badr Mostafa capped the day with a statement win over top seed Wassim Essid in the boys’ U-19 final.
The tournament stood out not just for the level of play but for its smooth organisation and atmosphere. From fans to dignitaries in the stands, Lagos delivered a vibrant, professional showcase of African youth table tennis.
ATTF President, Barrister Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Chief Operating Officer Dr. Kweku Tandoh, and their team deserved plaudits for delivering a seamless, professional tournament.
Individual honours rounded off the celebration: Egypt’s Sameh Asser received the Fair Play Award, Uganda’s Nsereko Sharif and Tunisia’s Mariam Brahimi were named Most Improved Players, and Algeria’s Coach Eissa took home Coach of the Tournament.
And the action continues. From today, August 4, the same venue hosts the inaugural ITTF Africa Youth Cup (BRF Cup), named in honour of former Lagos State governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, in recognition of his role in giving a significant boost to Lagos’ sporting profile. The two-day event features top U-15 and U-19 talents competing for ITTF ranking points and prize money.
The festival of table tennis rolls on, and Africa’s next generation is just getting started.
