Nigeria secured the top position in the 2023 ITTF African Para Championships, concluding on Saturday, September 23, 2023, in Giza, C, as the overall champion.
During the three-day tournament, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Mauritius, Cameroon, South Africa, Kenya, and Cote d’Ivoire participated in various events including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Nigeria excelled, winning an impressive total of 12 gold medals and claiming the title of the new para table tennis champion in Africa, dethroning Egypt.
Nigeria solidified its position as the dominant force in para table tennis on the continent, particularly in the singles event, securing the majority of tickets for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Out of the 14 available tickets, Nigeria secured nine, while Egypt earned five in the singles events.
Nevertheless, the host team showed exceptional performance in the doubles and mixed doubles events, clinching five gold medals, whereas Nigeria secured two.
The President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Khaled El-Salhy, praised the efforts of all the participating teams and lauded the tournament as a triumph. He particularly highlighted the excellent facilities and warm hospitality extended by the Egyptian Table Tennis Federation (ETTF).
“I am so happy that we have an improvement in the participation this year, especially with the number of countries that featured in this year’s tournament,” El-Salhy said.
“The players gave a good account of themselves; they showed their quality judging from the matches.”
“I congratulate the ETTF and the government of Egypt for being good hosts and I hope our players will make the continent proud when the Paralympic Games takes place next year in France.”
“I must also thank the ITTF for their support and I hope other African countries will focus on para-sports so that we can all be in tune with the ideals of the ITTF.”