Local News
WTT Contender Lagos Kicks Off With Qualifiers
The wait is over—WTT Contender Lagos 2025 is officially underway, with the qualifying rounds kicking off on Tuesday, July 22, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
The tournament, boasting a prize pool of $100,000, promises thrilling action and global participation.
At a well-attended press conference on Monday, July 21, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, expressed gratitude to World Table Tennis (WTT) for selecting Lagos as a host city for the third consecutive edition.
He emphasized the tournament’s growing reputation and the unique energy brought by Lagos fans.
“We are excited that WTT has placed its trust in us to host the third edition of WTT Contender Lagos.
” This event has firmly placed Lagos on the global table tennis map, thanks to the passionate support of our fans. It’s become one of the most exciting stops on the WTT Contender circuit,” Oshodi said.
Oshodi, who also serves as President of ITTF Africa, highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the tournament, driven by the participation of top-tier international players.
He expressed hope for continued support from the Lagos State Government and other partners to sustain the event’s growth.
Event Supervisor Maher Ben Ahmed noted that this year’s edition features players from Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa—underscoring the tournament’s global appeal.
“The presence of athletes from four continents is a testament to the tournament’s rising popularity. WTT Contender Lagos is now one of the most anticipated events in the WTT Series,” he said.
Event Manager Loh Yuan Yee echoed this sentiment, attributing the tournament’s continued inclusion in the WTT calendar to the enthusiasm it generates among players. He commended the LOC for their dedication to delivering a seamless event.
Event Director Kweku Tandoh reaffirmed the LOC’s commitment to meeting WTT’s expectations, promising further growth in both scale and quality.
In his remarks, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) President Ishaku Tikon reiterated Nigeria’s leadership role in African table tennis.
He noted that the annual WTT Contender Lagos has significantly elevated the sport’s standard across the continent.
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