Battle for Glory Begins: WTT Contender Lagos 2025 Enters Main Draw with Global Stars and Local Heroes in the Spotlight
As the qualifiers wrap up and the stakes get higher, the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos officially enters its main draw phase on Thursday, July 24, at the vibrant Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium. With $100,000 in prize money and up to 400 world ranking points on the line, the continent’s premier table tennis showcase is primed for epic showdowns between global titans and Africa’s emerging stars.
Precision. Power. Poise.
Matthew Kuti defending his crown like a true champion.
Opportunity Knocks in the Absence of Aruna
With Nigerian legend Quadri Aruna absent from this year’s tournament, the spotlight shifts to homegrown contenders eager to seize the moment. Eyes are firmly on Olajide Omotayo, Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai—each hungry to make a defining impact on the global stage in front of an electrifying Lagos crowd.
Also entering the fray are top African challengers like Tunisia’s Wassim Essid and Cameroon’s Ylane Batix, both aiming to upset the global seedings and rewrite their own career narratives.
Hina Hayata of Japan
Women’s Singles: A Power-Packed Draw
India’s Sreeja Akula returns to defend her title but faces fierce opposition this year. Japanese powerhouse Hina Hayata, her compatriot Honoka Hashimoto, Egyptian teen sensation Hana Goda, and France’s Prithika Pavade form a formidable lineup in the Women’s Singles.
“I won last year and want to enjoy this one while giving my best,” said Akula, acknowledging the elevated level of competition in Lagos.
A Homecoming for Italy’s John Oyebode
Another name to watch is John Oyebode, Italy’s rising talent with Nigerian heritage. The son of former Nigerian international Michael Oyebode, John brings both pedigree and passion to the Lagos table.
“Nigeria is home. The energy from the crowd is incredible, and it pushes everyone to perform better. I’m here to make memories and challenge the best,” he shared.
Olajide Omotayo
Doubles Showdown Reloaded
In the Men’s Doubles, 2024 runners-up Olajide Omotayo and Azeez Solanke are back on the court with one goal—go all the way this time. With experience and chemistry on their side, they’re looking to rewrite last year’s ending.
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