The reigning West African Women’s Singles Champion, Hope Udoaka, will not defend her crown in Lagos this year. Instead, she has chosen to represent Benson Idahosa University at the 2025 FISU Games in Germany, an international event that coincides with the Lagos championships, www.aclsports.com reports.
Nigeria’s rising table tennis star is on a sports scholarship at Benson Idahosa University. Her decision underscores a clear commitment to international exposure and long-term development, even if it means missing out on a familiar stage.
She opted to represent her university at the FISU World University Games, which take place during the same period as the West Africa Championships in Lagos.
The FISU Games, scheduled for July 16 to 27, will see Udoaka compete in both singles and team events against top university athletes from around the world. Her participation not only raises her personal profile but also highlights the growing strength of Nigeria’s university sports system, as more student-athletes gain exposure on global platforms.
While her absence in Lagos leaves the title race wide open, it also marks a turning point in her career, a shift from regional dominance to global ambition. It’s a journey that many within Nigeria’s table tennis circles will be watching closely.
With Udoaka out of the picture, all eyes now turn to who will rise and claim the West African Women’s Singles crown in her absence.
