Lagos to Host 2028 ITTF Africa Championships After Nigeria Wins Vote

Nigeria has won the right to host the 2028 ITTF Africa Championships, defeating Tunisia in a competitive vote at the annual general meeting of ITTF Africa in Tangier, Morocco.

Nigeria secured 23 of the 38 certified votes, while Tunisia received 15, giving the West African country the hosting rights for the continent’s elite table tennis tournament.

The decision is a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to organise international table tennis events, with the tournament expected to take place in Lagos.

Nigeria beats Tunisia in closely contested vote

The hosting decision was fiercely contested between Nigeria and Tunisia after both countries emerged as contenders for the 2028 Africa Championships.

A total of 31 delegates were physically present at the AGM, while seven certified proxies were also eligible to vote, bringing the total number of certified voters to 38.

When the votes were counted, Nigeria emerged with 23 votes against Tunisia’s 15.

The result gives Nigeria another opportunity to welcome Africa’s leading table tennis players and officials while showcasing its organisational capabilities on the continental stage.

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Lagos set for 2028 table tennis showcase

The President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Adesoji Tayo, welcomed the decision and said Nigeria was ready to deliver a world-class tournament.

Tayo thanked the delegates for their confidence in Nigeria and pointed to the country’s experience in organising major table tennis competitions.

He said Lagos would once again have the opportunity to host some of the continent’s best players and promised a seamless event for athletes, officials and visitors.

“We want to thank all the delegates for putting their trust in Nigeria to host a befitting tournament in 2028 as well as the African Para Championships in 2027,” Tayo said.

He added that Nigeria’s experience in hosting major table tennis tournaments would help the country deliver an event capable of attracting more visitors.

Nigeria secures multiple hosting rights

Nigeria’s success extends beyond the 2028 Africa Championships.

At the same AGM, Nigeria was also selected to host the 2027 African Para Championships.

Other continental hosting decisions saw Libya awarded the 2027 Cup, Algeria the 2027 Championships and Botswana the 2027 Youth event.

For 2028, Rwanda was selected to host the Youth tournament and Egypt the Para event, while the host for the 2028 Cup is yet to be determined.

Olajide Omotayo (NGR)

Winning the hosting rights gives Nigeria an opportunity to bring a major continental table tennis competition to Lagos and further strengthen the country’s position as a host of international sporting events.

It will also put Nigerian table tennis infrastructure, athletes and organisational capacity under the spotlight when players and officials from across Africa converge for the championships.

For the NTTF, the immediate task will be to build on the confidence demonstrated by the ITTF Africa delegates and begin preparations for an event that meets international expectations.

With Nigeria now confirmed as the 2028 host, attention will turn to the planning required to ensure Lagos delivers a successful and memorable edition of the ITTF Africa Championships.