Nigeria and Egypt will spearhead Africa’s quest for global honours as the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships serves off in London from April 28 to May 10, with both nations leading a strong continental contingent in the historic tournament.
A total of 12 men’s and 13 women’s teams from Africa are set to compete in this year’s edition, which also marks the centenary of the championships—first staged in England in 1926.
Read Also: Inkosi Brou to lead Nigeria at 2026 African Senior Fencing Championships in Abidjan | Sports247 Nigeria
The 2026 tournament returns to its birthplace for a landmark celebration of the sport’s global evolution.
The competition will feature 64 men’s and 64 women’s teams battling over 13 days across two iconic venues in London. Matches will be played in three stages: Stage 1B group fixtures to determine qualification pathways, Stage 1A seeding matches for top-ranked teams, and Stage 2 knockout rounds where the world’s best will contest for titles.
African teams begin their campaigns on April 28 at the Copper Box Arena, aiming to navigate the preliminary rounds and secure places in the knockout stage. Egypt and Nigeria headline the men’s field, alongside Algeria, Madagascar, Benin Republic, Tunisia, Morocco, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, South Africa, and Cameroon.
In the women’s draw, Egypt’s Hana Goda—the continent’s highest-ranked female player leads the charge.
She is joined by teams from Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Benin Republic, DR Congo, Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Ethiopia, and Madagascar.
Opening fixtures promise high-stakes action, including Egypt’s women taking on South Africa, while Algeria—led by teenage sisters Tania Morice and Jade Morice, face Belgium.
Ghana will meet Puerto Rico, Madagascar’s men take on Mongolia, while Uganda and Rwanda’s women clash with India and Ukraine respectively. Angola’s women will battle Austria, and Benin Republic’s men face Serbia.
All Eyes on Egypt, Nigeria
African stars are expected to take centre stage as the championships get underway, with Egypt and Nigeria widely tipped to lead the continent’s push for deep runs in both categories.
Egypt will rely on experienced campaigners such as Omar Assar and Hana Goda. Assar leads the men’s team in Group 11 against Thailand, Turkey, and Kazakhstan, with the top two teams advancing. Goda, ranked among the world’s best, heads Egypt’s women’s squad in Group 3 alongside South Africa, Algeria, and Belgium.
Nigeria’s hopes will rest heavily on Quadri Aruna, who leads the men’s team into group fixtures against Hong Kong, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. Backed by a strong Nigerian diaspora in London, Aruna will be central to the team’s ambitions.
The Nigerian women’s team, however, faces a tougher task.
Veterans Fatimo Bello and Ajoke Ojomu bring experience, while emerging players Sukurat Aiyelabegan and Hope Udoaka are expected to provide youthful energy despite scrutiny over squad selection.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s Morice sisters are set to make their senior championship debut, adding fresh excitement to Africa’s campaign.
With Egypt and Nigeria leading the charge and a new generation of talent emerging across the continent, Africa’s representatives are determined to make a strong impression at this historic centenary edition in London.
