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,” he said.

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.

Source: NAN

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Oshodi, the Deputy President of ATTF and former Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, was elected at the organisation’s elective annual general meeting on Tuesday, October 15, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In a press statement issued by his media aide, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the president noted that Oshodi’s election was a proud moment for Nigeria, reflecting the strong support he garnered in the lead-up.

He was nominated by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, NTTF, and backed by several African nations, indicating the country’s unwavering support for its sports leaders.

He said Oshodi’s election was also a vote of confidence in a seasoned sports administrator who had committed his time, energy, and resources to develop table tennis at the grassroots level and demonstrated his integrity, accountability, and dedication in carrying out his responsibilities.

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“His commitment inspires all sports enthusiasts and is a hopeful sign for the future of table tennis,” the president said.

The president added that Oshodi would bring his extensive leadership experience to elevate ATTF and the sport to the next level of success across the continent.

Oshodi was President of NTTF, a member of the Board of Directors for the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation, CTTF, and the current Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation, ITTF.

Oshodi’s distinguished career in sports administration began in 2000 when he was appointed to the Lagos State Sports Council Governing Board by then-Governor Bola Tinubu.

While serving as chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association, LSTTA, Oshodi was appointed in 2011 by Governor Babatunde Fashola as Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development.

As commissioner, he oversaw the highly successful National Sports Festival, tagged “Eko 2012,” which further cemented his reputation for excellence in sports management.

While applauding Oshodi’s passion and commitment toward advancing table tennis at the local, national and continent levels, the Nigerian leader assured him of the country’s continued goodwill and necessary support to succeed in his new role.

The post ATTF presidency: Tinubu congratulates Wahid Oshodi over election appeared first on Frontpageng.