African table tennis stars will take center stage when the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships kick off on Tuesday, April 28, in London.
From Africa’s top-ranked players—Omar Assar and Hana Goda of Egypt—to seasoned campaigner Quadri Aruna of Nigeria and Algeria’s teenage sensations Tania and Jade Morice, fans at the Copper Box Arena will have plenty of talent to cheer.
Egypt, widely regarded as one of the continent’s heavyweights, is expected to advance comfortably to the knockout rounds in both the men’s and women’s events. Assar will lead the men’s team in Group 11 against Thailand, Turkey, and Kazakhstan, with the top two teams progressing. On the women’s side, world No. 20 Hana Goda spearheads Egypt’s squad in Group 3, facing familiar African rivals South Africa and Algeria, alongside Belgium.
Nigeria’s large diaspora in London will be eager to watch Aruna lead the men’s team against Hong Kong, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. However, the Nigerian women’s team faces challenges, with only veterans Fatimo Bello and Ajoke Ojomu bringing experience. Rising players Sukurat Aiyelabegan and Hope Udoaka may yet surprise, despite criticism of the team’s selection. Many observers argue that younger talents should have been given the opportunity for exposure at this level.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s teenage duo, Tania and Jade Morice, will make their senior championship debut, adding youthful energy to the North African side.
With Egypt and Nigeria leading the charge, and Algeria’s new generation stepping onto the global stage, African hopes are high as the continent’s finest players begin their quest for glory in London.
