Nigeria will have a shot at the U-15 Boys’ Doubles title at the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Championships after an unforgettable semi-final clash with Egypt produced one of the tournament’s most dramatic contests.
Sports247 reports that Egypt’s Asser Sameh and Hussein Eyad appeared destined for a comfortable victory after storming into a commanding 2-0 lead over Nigeria’s Umar Ayoola and Joshua Samson.
Refusing to surrender, the Nigerian duo mounted a spirited comeback, displaying remarkable resilience and determination to level the match at 2-2, forcing a decisive fifth game and sending spectators into a frenzy.
With momentum swinging in Nigeria’s favour, the Egyptians held their composure at the crucial moment, edging the final game to seal a hard-fought victory and book their place in the championship match.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat for Ayoola and Samson, Nigeria’s hopes of lifting the continental crown remain alive, as another Nigerian pair, Joseph Marvellous and Joseph Victor, have also reached the final.
The highly anticipated title clash will now see Egypt’s Asser Sameh and Hussein Eyad battle Nigeria’s Joseph Marvellous and Joseph Victor in another chapter of the fierce table tennis rivalry between the continent’s two leading nations.
The result further highlights the exceptional standard of competition at this year’s championship in Accra, where Nigeria and Egypt have continued to dominate the podium across multiple events.
All eyes will now be on the final as Team Nigeria aims to deny Egypt another continental title and finish the U-15 Boys’ Doubles event on a winning note.
