For five days, 25 cadet players from across Nigeria have been honing their skills at the National Stadium in Lagos during the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF)-organized National Hopes Week.
This event combines rigorous training with competitive matches to select the four-member squad that will represent Nigeria at the 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, set to take place in Lagos this July.
Training and Selection Process
The training camp, which began on April 2, will conclude on Monday, April 7, with the announcement of the final squad, consisting of two boys and two girls.
These young athletes will form Nigeria’s team for the upcoming continental challenge, and their performance during the training camp will determine their selection.
Supported by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and ITTF Africa, the National Hopes Week is being led by certified coaches who are offering valuable guidance to the players. The week-long program focuses on skill development, with an emphasis on improving the players’ footwork and backhand techniques.
Coaches Praise Initiative
Youth coach Ifeoma Isaac praised the initiative, highlighting its importance in the development of young table tennis players. “I must commend the leadership of NTTF for organizing this training for the U-12 players, particularly focusing on new techniques in table tennis.
We realized that the players lacked footwork and backhand skills. Over the last six days, we have trained them and hope that such exercises will be regular to help the players continue improving their game for the benefit of the country,” Isaac said.
Coach Ganiyu Kadiri also shared his thoughts on the training’s impact, expressing his satisfaction with the players’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. “I am particularly thrilled with the players’ enthusiasm during the training. This enthusiasm is crucial when learning new skills and makes our work as coaches easier.
We are confident that regular training, rather than one-off exercises, will help our players compete on par with their international counterparts in major tournaments,” Kadiri noted.
Players’ Experience and Future Ambitions
The players themselves are grateful for the opportunity, with many commending the NTTF and ITTF Africa for creating such a platform.
They believe the training program will significantly enhance their skills and prepare them for the upcoming challenges.
As part of the ITTF Africa Hopes Week & Challenge, the players are getting the chance to compete at a high level and represent their country at a prestigious continental event.
The event is critical in nurturing the next generation of table tennis talent across Africa, providing a solid foundation for players to develop their skills and compete on the world stage.
A Platform for Future Champions
The 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week & Challenge is a crucial event for young players to showcase their talent and potentially make their mark on the international scene.
By training at events like National Hopes Week, Nigeria’s young table tennis players are setting themselves up for success as they prepare to compete in major continental and World Hopes Week competitions in the future.
The National Hopes Week event has not only given these players an invaluable learning experience but also a chance to showcase their potential and dream of representing Nigeria on the world stage.
