Nigeria’s men’s and women’s table tennis teams will kick off their campaigns at the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships on Tuesday, facing Saudi Arabia and Wales respectively in their opening fixtures.
This year’s edition holds special significance as it marks the centenary of the competition, first staged in England in 1926.
In the men’s category, Nigeria is drawn in Group 15 alongside Hong Kong, China; South Africa; and Saudi Arabia, while the women’s team will compete in Group 11 against Australia, Uzbekistan, and Wales.
The men’s team will be first in action, taking on Saudi Arabia at 10:00 a.m., before the women’s team faces Wales later in the day at 5:00 p.m.
Nigeria’s nine-player contingent is spearheaded by African star Quadri Aruna, alongside Olajide Omotayo and emerging talents Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Matti, and Muizz Adegoke. On the women’s side, experienced players Fatimo Bello and Ajoke Ojomu lead a youthful squad that includes Sukurat Aiyelabegan and Hope Udoaka.
Both teams head into the tournament as the second-ranked sides in their respective groups, behind Hong Kong, China, in the men’s draw and Australia in the women’s event.
The championship will be played in a two-stage format. Nigeria is among the 56 teams competing in Stage 1b, where sides are drawn into Groups 3 to 16. Group winners will qualify directly for the Round of 32, while runners-up will either advance to a preliminary knockout round or progress based on overall rankings.
Each team tie will be decided using a best-of-five format of individual matches, placing a premium on consistency and depth across the lineup.
Elsewhere, several African teams are also in action on opening day, with Egypt facing South Africa in the women’s event, while Algeria takes on Belgium. Ghana will battle Puerto Rico, Madagascar’s men face Mongolia, and Rwanda and Uganda’s women will square up against Ukraine and India respectively. Angola’s women are set to meet Austria, while Benin Republic’s men will take on Serbia.
With a mix of experience and emerging talent, Nigeria will be aiming for a strong start as they target progression into the knockout rounds of the historic championship.