For the first time in history, Benghazi, Libya, will host Africa’s finest table tennis players as they compete for coveted spots at the 2026 ITTF World Cup in Macao, China.
From February 7 to 9, the Al-Nasr Sports Club will stage the ITTF Africa Cup, bringing together elite athletes from across the continent. Semifinalists in both men’s and women’s singles will automatically qualify for next month’s World Cup, raising the stakes for a thrilling competition.
Wahid Enitan Oshodi, President of ITTF Africa, praised the Libyan Table Tennis Federation (LTTF) for its dedication in hosting the tournament, highlighting the cultural richness and warm hospitality offered to athletes, officials, and fans. “Gatherings such as this celebrate both our diversity and our unity, defining what it means to be part of the table tennis family,” Oshodi remarked.
ITTF President Petra Sörling emphasized Africa’s rising global presence in table tennis. “The ITTF Africa Cup reflects the continent’s growing influence on the international stage. Through sustained competition delivery, high-performance development, and organizational capacity, African table tennis continues to strengthen its foundations and broaden its impact worldwide,” she said.
The 2026 edition carries extra significance as the sport approaches its centenary. Oshodi noted that the Africa Cup offers players the chance to sharpen their skills ahead of major international events, including the 2026 World Team Championships in London.
“2026 marks 100 years since the founding of the ITTF and the first World Table Tennis Championships in 1926. This milestone belongs to the entire table tennis community, whose dedication across generations has shaped the sport we know today,” Oshodi added.
Sörling, also an IOC Executive Member, said Africa’s role in the global sporting movement continues to grow, with the continent preparing to host its first-ever Youth Olympic Games. She described the ITTF Africa Cup as both a celebration of African ambition and a declaration of the continent’s confidence and potential on the world stage.
