Twenty-five cadet table tennis players from across Nigeria have been rigorously training at the National Stadium in Lagos as part of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF)-organised National Hopes Week.
The week-long programme combines intensive coaching sessions with competitive matches aimed at selecting a four-player squad that will represent Nigeria at the 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, scheduled for July in Lagos.
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The exercise, which began on April 2, will conclude on Monday, April 7, with the announcement of two boys and two girls who will form Nigeria’s contingent for the continental event.
ITTF-Backed coaching boosts development
Supported by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and ITTF Africa, the training was led by ITTF-certified coaches, who provided the young players with essential techniques and tactical knowledge crucial to their development.
Lead youth coach Ifeoma Isaac praised the initiative for focusing on modern techniques.
“I must commend the leadership of NTTF for organising this for U-12 players. We discovered that many of them lacked proper footwork and backhand execution. Over the past six days, we’ve worked on those areas and hope similar camps become regular to aid long-term development,” she said.
Coaches laud enthusiasm and commitment
Coach Ganiyu Kadiri also highlighted the importance of consistent development.
“The players showed great enthusiasm, which is key when learning new skills. It makes our work more effective. What we need now is regular training camps to help our players match their international counterparts,” he said.
Players appreciate the learning platform
Some of the young participants expressed gratitude to the NTTF and ITTF Africa for creating a platform to boost their skills, noting that the experience would positively impact their future performances.
Pathway to continental and global competitions
The 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge is a vital event for nurturing the next generation of African table tennis stars and serves as a stepping stone to the prestigious World Hopes Week competitions.
