Table Tennis: Nigeria Draws Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, South Africa at 2026 World Teams

Nigeria names Aruna, Mati to 2026 World Team Championships squad

Segun Toriola names Quadri Aruna, Taiwo Mati, and Ajoke Ojomu in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships. Men drawn in Group 15, women in Group 11.

Nigeria eyes redemption at 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships with Aruna...

Nigeria has named African table tennis star Quadri Aruna and France-based prodigy Taiwo Mati in its squad for the 2026 World Team Championships in London.

The team faces a challenging path in Group 15, where they will compete against Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.

Eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign in South Korea, the Segun Toriola-coached squad will lean on the experience of Aruna and Mati in the men’s event.

Completing the men’s roster are rising star Matthew Kuti, Muizz Adegoke, and Olajide Omotayo.

In the women’s category, Africa’s sixth-ranked Ajoke Ojomu leads Nigeria’s charge, alongside Fatimo Bello, Sukurat Aiyelagbegan, and Hope Udoaka.

They have been drawn in Group 11 with Australia, Uzbekistan, and Wales.

Despite the tough competition ahead, Ondo-born Mati, a bronze medallist at the 2021 World Youth Championships, remains confident and believes Nigeria can deliver a strong performance in England.

World No. 3 and World Cup champion Hugo Calderano headlines Brazil’s squad, while Denmark will turn to the exciting Anders Lind, ranked 16th in the world.

Egypt’s hopes rest on multiple-time African No. 1 Omar Assar, with France relying on brothers Felix and Alexis Lebrun.

Elsewhere, India will lean on players like Manav Thakkar and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, while Australia’s challenge features Nicholas Lum and Finn Luu.

“Early this year, I saw the group fixture and I'm really confident about our chances,” the Le Havre star said.

“Hong Kong are a very good side as well as Saudi Arabia and South Africa. I think Hong Kong can be the most difficult team in the group but they are beatable.

“I played against a few players (from Hong Kong) and had good victories. With Quadri Aruna, (Olajide) Omotayo and youngster Matthew Kuti in our team, the confidence is high.”

Men’s teams in full (Africa)

Algeria: Maheidine Bella, Mehdi Bouloussa, Milhane Jellouli, Sami Kherouf, Stephane Ouaiche

Angola: Elizandro Andre, Delcio Cassule, Domingos Manuel

Benin Republic: Amir Atanda Adou, Geoffroy Badokonon, Abdel-Kader Salifou, Farouk Salifou

Cote d’Ivoire: Jean Pierre Bayala, Ben Moussa Dosso, Amontchi Hobbah, Oba Kizito Oba, Odilon Vanie

Cameroon: Ylane Batix, Simon Ebode, Abdoulaye Mohamed

Egypt: Youssef Abdelaziz, Omar Assar, Mohamed Elbeiali, Mahmoud Helmy, Badr Mostafa

Madagascar: Fabio Rakotoarimanana, Mamy Rakotoarisoa, Setra Rakotoarisoa, Antoine Razafinarivo

Morocco: Marius Benchat, Salim Karam, Reda Nemras, Yassine Theophile

Nigeria: Muizz Adegoke, Quadri Aruna, Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, Olajide Omotayo

South Africa: Luke Abrahams, Liam Beukes, Cuten Lodewyk, Chetan Nath

Togo: Elias Agbodjan, Kossi Akakpo, Atarou Assou, Kokou Fanny, Abdoulmadjid Tchassama

Tunisia: Youssef Aidli, Aboubaker Bourass, Wassim Essid

Women’s teams in full (Africa)

Algeria: Tania Morice, Jade Morice, Malissa Nasri, Amani Tazerouti

Angola: Isabel Albino, Kailane Sousa, Ruth Tavares

Benin Republic: Lyntia Agueh, Ziadath Akadiri, Stecy Amadji, Madinath Yessoufou

Congo Democratic: Muteba Peguy Dialumona, Kabedi Terfile Ilunga, Nzangani Nephtalie Kindandi, Ammadine Litobaka

Egypt: Marwa Alhodaby, Mariam Alhodaby, Farida Badawy, Hana Goda, Dina Meshref

Ethiopia: Gidey Abrha, Yordanos Dejene, Arsema Fogi, Fana Ftwi, Feven Kinfu

Ghana: Eva Adom-Amankwaa, Augustina Baidoo, Emerald Bortey, Joanita Borteye, Cynthia Kwabi

Madagascar: Edena Prevot, Harilalao Raharijaona, Hanitra Raharimanana

Namibia: Cadence Farmer, Lian Gebauer, Justina Namupolo

Nigeria: Sukurat Aiyelagbegan, Fatimo Bello, Ajoke Ojomu, Hope Udoaka

Rwanda: Chantal Hirwa, Elevine Tumukunde, Mbabazi Twizerane

South Africa: Musfiquh Kalam, Danisha Patel, Jade Sasaman, Rochica Sonday

Uganda: Judith Mirembe, Jemimah Nakawala, Judith Nangonzi