Tag: WTT Contender Lagos 2025

The WTT Contender Lagos 2025 gets  underway today  with the qualifying rounds 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 yesterday,  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.

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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.

A star-studded line-up has been officially unveiled for the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos, with the tournament set to take place from July 22 to 26 in Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital.

Widely regarded as one of the most thrilling events in the WTT Contender Series, this year’s edition promises a showcase of elite talents  from across the globe.

Among the headline acts are women’s world No. 9 Hina Hayata of Japan, African champion Hana Goda of Egypt, and rising French sensation Prithika Pavade.

Making her debut in Lagos, the 24-year-old Hayata is seen as a formidable challenger to China’s dominance in women’s table tennis. Ranked as the fourth-highest Japanese player in women’s singles, she is a key figure in Japan’s golden generation. A silver and bronze Olympic medallist, Hayata has consistently delivered top-tier performances, earning multiple podium finishes at both the World and Asian Championships.

Known for her powerful left-handed play, Hayata was also the most successful athlete in the ITTF Challenger Series—the precursor to the WTT Series—demonstrating her ability to dominate competitive fields. She enters the Lagos tournament as the highest-ranked women’s singles player and a strong favourite for the title.

In the men’s singles category, Danish star Anders Lind returns to Lagos, where he enjoys strong fan support.

Lind will be aiming to end his title drought but will face stiff competition from Nigerian ace Quadri Aruna, who missed the 2024 edition due to club commitments.

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Also joining the men’s line-up are Croatian powerhouse Tomislav Pucar, Japanese prodigy Yuta Tanaka, and Africa’s top junior player, Wassim Essid of Tunisia, who will be looking to make his mark against the world’s best.

Meanwhile, Tournament Director Kweku Tandoh has reaffirmed the organisers’ commitment to elevating the event’s profile.

“We are determined to keep raising the bar in hosting a world-class tournament. Our goal is not just to maintain standards but to introduce fresh ideas that continue to attract top talent to Lagos,” Tandoh said.

He added, “With some of the world’s best players returning and others making their debut based on the tournament’s growing reputation, it’s clear we’re on the right path. We will keep innovating to enhance the sport.”

In a major boost, the prize money has been increased to $100,000, up from $75,000. Players will compete across five categories: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Winners in each event will earn 400 ranking points.