Nigeria emerged victorious in the men’s team event at the 2024 ITTF Africa Championships in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Nigerian team triumphed in a thrilling final against Algeria, overcoming an initial setback to claim the 2024 ITTF Africa Championships.
Olajide Omotayo took on Algeria’s Sami Kherouf in a closely contested opener, but Kherouf won 3-2, putting Algeria ahead. However, Nigeria’s star player Quadri Aruna leveled the score with a 3-1 victory over Milhane Jellouli. Matthew Kuti then put Nigeria in the lead by dominating Maheidine Bella 3-0. In the final match, Aruna returned to face Kherouf and secured a decisive 3-1 win, sealing Nigeria’s 3-1 overall triumph and the African title.
In the women’s event, Nigeria finished second, with Egypt continuing their dominance in the competition.
The Nigerian trio of Ajoke Ojomu, Fatimo Bello, and Hope Udoaka fought valiantly but were overpowered by Egypt’s Hana Goda, Yousra Helmy, and Mariam Alhodaby in the final.
Goda gave Egypt an early lead by defeating Ojomu 3-0. Bello then took on Helmy, putting up a strong fight by racing to a 2-0 lead, but Helmy mounted an impressive comeback to win 3-2. Alhodaby sealed the victory for Egypt by sweeping Udoaka 3-0, securing a 3-0 win for Egypt and leaving Nigeria with the silver medal.
