In a thrilling display of athleticism and determination, Nigeria emerged as the champions of the 2023 ITTF African Para Championships, hosted in Giza, Egypt. The competition, which concluded on Saturday, featured a dynamic array of talented para table tennis athletes from across the African continent, vying for glory in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.

A Total of Eight Nations Compete

The highly-anticipated event brought together eight nations in a fierce battle for supremacy. Host nation Egypt, along with Algeria, Mauritius, Cameroon, South Africa, Kenya, and Ivory Coast, showcased their exceptional skills and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

Nigeria’s Dominance Secures Victory

Nigeria’s para table tennis team emerged as the undeniable stars of the competition, securing their dominance by clinching an impressive total of 12 gold medals. In doing so, they successfully dethroned Egypt, the former reigning champions, and assumed the coveted title of African para table tennis champions.

Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Beckon

Not only did Nigeria claim the championship, but they also solidified their position as the new heavyweights in African para table tennis. Their remarkable performance in the singles events earned them an astounding nine out of the 14 available tickets to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. In contrast, Egypt secured five tickets, demonstrating Nigeria’s undeniable prowess on the singles stage.

Nigeria Ascends to the Top of the Medals Table

In the overall medals table, Nigeria’s para table tennis team secured an impressive 12 gold medals, firmly establishing themselves as the new leaders in African para table tennis. Egypt, despite their valiant efforts, accumulated a total of 10 gold medals, relinquishing their long-held dominance to their West African counterparts.

High Praise for Tournament Success

Khaled El-Salhy, President of the African Table Tennis Federation, praised the participating teams and lauded the tournament’s success. He particularly commended the Egyptian Table Tennis Federation for providing top-notch facilities and hospitality throughout the event.

“I am so happy that we have seen an improvement in participation this year, especially with the number of countries that featured in this year’s tournament. The players gave a good account of themselves; they showed their quality judging from the matches.” President El-Salhy’s remarks highlighted the growth and competitive spirit of para table tennis in Africa.

As the dust settles on the 2023 ITTF African Para Championships, Nigeria’s para table tennis team stands triumphant, setting the stage for an exciting journey toward the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and a new era of African para table tennis excellence.