Africa’s biggest table tennis nations, Nigeria and Egypt, are gearing up to dominate the 2025 ITTF African Championships in Tunis, Tunisia (October 12–19, 2025), as the road to the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London officially begins.
This year’s qualifiers carry added significance: the London edition marks the 100th anniversary of the World Championships, returning to the same city where it all started in 1926. Only the best men’s and women’s teams from Africa will earn a place on this historic global stage.
Nigeria vs Egypt: The Rivalry Continues
In the men’s event, Nigeria—West Africa’s powerhouse—faces arch-rivals Egypt, North Africa’s champions. Both sides will battle against rising forces from Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, DR Congo, and Morocco.
The women’s draw mirrors the same intensity, with defending champions Egypt and strong challengers Nigeria squaring off against teams from Benin Republic, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Angola, Algeria, and hosts Tunisia.
The final three days in Tunis are expected to deliver high drama, as Africa’s best fight for a ticket to London and reignite the long-standing Nigeria–Egypt rivalry that has shaped African table tennis for decades.
London 2026: Table Tennis Centenary Celebration
The 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships will showcase a record 64 teams each in the men’s and women’s categories, expanding from the previous 40-team format to reflect the sport’s growing global reach.
Two iconic London venues will host the centenary tournament:
- Copper Box Arena (April 28 – May 1, 2026): Group stage matches
- Wembley Arena (May 2 – 10, 2026): Knockout rounds and finals
The format ensures the top eight seeded teams advance automatically, while 56 others compete for the remaining spots through group stages and playoffs.
From the opening serve in London’s Copper Box to the final rally under the lights of Wembley, the centennial World Championships promise a celebration of skill, passion, and the enduring legacy of table tennis.
