Centenary Championships Hand Nigeria Demanding Draw
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
London 2026: Nigeria Drawn into Competitive Groups at World Team Championships
NIGERIA’S table tennis teams will confront tough opposition at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships Finals after the official draw placed the men and women in demanding groups ahead of the centenary event in London.
In the men’s competition, Nigeria were drawn into Group 15 alongside Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. The group promises high-intensity contests, with Africa’s top-ranked player Quadri Aruna expected to play a central role for Nigeria when action begins on 29 April 2026.
Hong Kong are widely respected for their technically gifted young players, while Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen their international presence. South Africa, a familiar African rival, add an extra layer of competitiveness to the group.
Nigeria’s women will compete in Group 11, led by Fatimo Bello, and face Australia, Uzbekistan, and Wales. The draw presents a mix of experience and opportunity as Nigeria seek to assert themselves on the global stage.
Elsewhere, Egypt enjoyed relatively favourable placements. The African champions’ men’s team, led by Omar Assar, will contest Group 8 against Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Thailand, while Egypt’s women, under Hana Goda, will face Algeria, South Africa, and Syria in Group 6.
Defending champions China headline both men’s and women’s Group 1, continuing their quest to extend dominance in competitions they have historically controlled. Hosts England also feature prominently in both draws, underlining the prestige of the centenary championships.
The tournament structure includes Stage 1a at the OVO Arena Wembley for top seeds, while Stage 1b at the Copper Box Arena will determine the remaining places in the main draw.
The London 2026 edition marks 100 years since the World Table Tennis Championships were first staged, a milestone the ITTF has described as a symbolic return to the sport’s birthplace.
