Nigerian officials confirmed that the youth table tennis team, which had secured spots at the upcoming ITTF World Youth Championships in Romania, will not attend because their visas were denied.
The group, captained by reigning West African champion Kuti Matthew, had qualified by triumphing in both the U15 and U19 boys’ team events at the 2025 African Youth Championships in Lagos.
Their achievement had raised hopes for a strong Nigerian presence on the global stage.As a result of the visa refusal, the International Table Tennis Federation has reallocated the places to Egypt and Tunisia.
The Nigerian federation lamented the loss, emphasizing that such administrative hurdles undermine athlete development and the nation’s standing in the sport. They have pledged to pursue diplomatic channels to prevent similar setbacks in the future.
The broader sports community has rallied behind the young players, urging authorities to improve visa procedures so that merit translates into participation.
The incident highlights the difficulties many African athletes face when non‑sporting barriers impede their competitive aspirations. The athletes are encouraged to stay focused, as their proven abilities suggest a bright future for Nigerian table tennis.
