By VIVIAN AHANMISI

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) says the country will not be participating in this year’s continental championships scheduled to hold between Oct. 18 and Oct 25, in Morocco.

President of the federation, Mr Adesoji Tayo, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.

According to him, this will be the first time Nigeria will be missing at the tournament.

The president explained that Nigeria’s absence was as a result of non participation at the Western Region Championships in Conakry, Guinea.

He noted that the regional championships had served as the qualifying tournament for the continental showpiece.

“Nigeria’s quartet of Matthew Kuti, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, Favour Ojo and Khadijat Okanlawon had been scheduled to compete at the Conakry event.

“However, the trip was cancelled because of a lack of funds, as the NTTF could not meet the rising costs, including the ongoing training camp for junior players at Babcock University in Ogun,” he said.

He added that in spite of the setback, the federation managed to send four cadet players; Umar Ayoola, Habeeb Adebayo, Emmanuella Shaibu and Elizabeth Emenike to Accra, Ghana, for the 2026 Africa Hopes Week and Challenge.

“In addition, a 16-man team led by both Kuti and Ojo is expected to depart for Accra this weekend to compete in the 2026 African Youth Championships and Cup.

Tayo expressed regret over Nigeria’s withdrawal from the Guinea tournament.

He explained that in spite of efforts to secure the team’s participation, exorbitant flight costs and an alleged lack of support from the National Sports Commission (NSC) made the trip impossible.

“In the last two weeks, our young players have been in camp preparing for the three events in Ghana and Guinea.

“With support from friends of table tennis and the management of Babcock university, we provided a conducive environment for training and ensured that the cadet players heading to Ghana, departed last weekend.

“Unfortunately, our request for NSC’s support for the Guinea trip was unsuccessful and the prohibitive flight ticket prices forced us to withdraw.

“This competition also served as qualifiers for the 2026 African Championships in Morocco,” he said.

The NTTF president assured that Nigeria would be represented at the African Youth Championships in Ghana.

He, however, admitted that missing the regional tournament in Guinea could have lasting consequences, particularly for Nigeria’s qualification prospects for the 2027 World Championships.

He added that the setback would also dent Nigeria’s reputation as a table tennis powerhouse on the continent. (NAN)